Dandelion inspired microparticles with highly efficient drug delivery to deep lung

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Materials Science

Background:

• Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) embedded dry powder for inhalation (AeDPI) offers high drug loading for lung infection treatment.
• Current AeDPI formulations face challenges in achieving efficient alveoli deposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dandelion-like AeDPI microparticle structure using spray freeze drying.
• To enhance the alveoli deposition efficiency of high-dose drugs for lung infections.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of AeDPI microparticles via spray freeze drying, inspired by dandelion structures.
• Utilized itraconazole (ITZ) as a model API and TPGS as a surfactant for stable nanocrystal suspensions.
• Systematic investigation of formulation parameters and freezing conditions on microparticle properties and aerosol performance.
• Application of response surface methodology (RSM) for optimizing deep lung deposition.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated dandelion-like AeDPI microparticles with enhanced structural integrity.
• The optimal microparticle formulation achieved a high fine particle fraction (FPF) of ~68.96% and extra fine particle fraction (eFPF) of ~36.87%.
• Approximately 4.60 mg and 2.46 mg of drug reached the lungs and alveoli, respectively, from a 10 mg dose.

Conclusions:

• The dandelion-like AeDPI microparticle structure significantly improves drug delivery efficiency to the deep lung.
• Spray freeze drying is an effective technology for creating these advanced microparticle formulations.
• This approach holds promise for enhanced treatment of lung infections requiring high-dose drug delivery.