Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 15, 2025
12:59
A System to Create Stable Nanoparticle Aerosols from Nanopowders
Published on: July 26, 2016
9.8K
Inhalable Nanocomposite Microparticles with Enhanced Dissolution and Superior Aerosol Performance
Chune Zhu1,2, Jianting Chen2, Shihui Yu2
1School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Molecular Pharmaceutics
|July 10, 2020
Summary
This study developed inhalable nanoparticles combining colistin and ivacaftor to treat cystic fibrosis lung infections. The novel formulation improves drug dissolution and aerosol performance for simultaneous treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Colistin (Col) and ivacaftor (Iva) show synergistic effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) requires treatments for both the disease and lung infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations for co-delivery of Col and Iva.
- Enable simultaneous treatment of CF and lung infections.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulate water-insoluble Iva into bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (Iva-BSA-NPs).
- Produce inhalable composite microparticles via spray-freeze-drying using Col as matrix and l-leucine as aerosol enhancer.
- Characterize morphology, amorphous state, and aerosol performance (FPF).
Main Results:
- Optimal formulation achieved high fine particle fractions (FPF): 73.8% for Col, 80.9% for Iva.
- Iva-BSA-NPs remained amorphous, enhancing solubility 66-fold.
- Rapid in vitro release of both drugs within 3 hours, significantly faster for Iva compared to physical mixtures.
Conclusions:
- Developed novel inhalable nanocomposite microparticles for co-delivery of Col and Iva.
- Achieved reduced excipient use, improved dissolution of water-insoluble Iva, and superior aerosol performance.
- Demonstrated potential for simultaneous treatment of CF and lung infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
1.4K
Dissolution kinetics, an essential aspect of oral drug delivery, is significantly influenced by the drug's particle size. According to the Noyes-Whitney dissolution model, the dissolution rate correlates directly with the drug's surface area. The larger the surface area, the higher the drug's solubility in water, leading to a faster drug dissolution rate. Reducing particle size increases the effective surface area, enhancing the dissolution process. Micronization and nanosizing are...
1.4K
01:16Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Solubility Enhancement
135
Body:Bioavailability is a critical factor in determining a drug's effectiveness. It refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is, as a result, able to have an active effect. Enhancing bioavailability is essential for drugs with poor solubility, as it can significantly impact their therapeutic efficacy. Various methods are employed to increase the solubility of drugs, thereby enhancing their bioavailability.Micronization and nanonization are...
135
01:23Inhaled Medications
614
Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
614