Preparation and Characterization of Ibuprofen Containing Nano-Embedded-Microparticles for Pulmonary Delivery

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nanotechnology
• Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Background:

• Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a fatal hereditary lung disease.
• Ibuprofen (IBU), an anti-inflammatory drug, can slow CF progression.
• Poor water solubility of IBU necessitates advanced delivery systems for pulmonary administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate a carrier-free dry powder inhaler (DPI) containing nano-sized ibuprofen.
• To optimize nanoparticle formulation for local pulmonary delivery in CF patients.

Main Methods:

• Combined ultra-sonication and nano spray-drying to create ibuprofen nanoparticles.
• Incorporated mannitol and leucine as excipients during nano spray-drying.
• Characterized nanoparticles using dynamic light scattering, SEM, XRD, DSC, FTIR, and aerodynamic assessments (ACI).

Main Results:

• Successfully produced ibuprofen nanoparticles with nano-range diameters.
• Spray-dried particles exhibited spherical morphology with desirable aerodynamic properties (high fine particle fraction).
• Demonstrated rapid in vitro drug release in simulated lung fluid.

Conclusions:

• Developed an inhalable powder formulation containing nano-sized ibuprofen.
• The formulation exhibits excellent aerodynamic performance, particle characteristics, and drug release profile.
• This novel approach holds potential as a groundbreaking local therapy for cystic fibrosis.