Inhaled Atorvastatin Nanoparticles for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the main causes of mortality globally. This research paper aims a the development of inhaled nanotechnology for lung cancer to deliver an atorvastatin calcium compound, for lung cancer, capable of reaching the tumor site directly via inhalation.

Atorvastatin calcium micellar nanoparticles (ATO-NPs) encapsulated with Pluronic F-127 and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were manufactured utilizing the solvent and anti-solvent precipitation technique. The physicochemical features of the formulation were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical characteristics using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic light scattering. Additionally, the Andersen Cascade impactor was used at 15 L/minutes to assist in the aerosols performances of the formulation. The ATO-NPs formula's cell viability was tested in vitro using the A549 non-small cell lung cancer cell type.

Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to determine the ATO-NPs particle morphology, demonstrating a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The fine particle fraction of the aerosol produced was 62.70 ± 1.18%. This finding suggests that atorvastatin micellar nanoparticles are suitable for medication administration by inhalation with a wide particle size dispersion. Moreover, it was found in vitro that concentrations of up to 21 μg/mL of the atorvastatin nanoparticles were safe and non-toxic in the cell model.

This study found that atorvastatin micellar nanoparticles for inhalation could potentially be used for lung cancer treatment.