Čes. slov. farm. 2023, 72(5):214-222 | DOI: 10.5817/CSF2023-5-214

Preparation and evaluation of spray-dried inhalable microparticles from carrier mixtures

Andrea Peštálová^*, Karolína Molatová, Jan Gajdziok

Masarykova univerzita, Farmaceutická fakulta, Ústav farmaceutické technologie, Brno

The formulation of microparticles composed of a mixture of carriers represents an innovative approach for lung drug delivery of dry powder. The carriers used can significantly influence the properties of the microparticles, such as size, shape, surface area, hygroscopicity, or aggregation, thus improving the aerosolization of the drugs after inhalation. The properties mentioned above are crucial for effective pulmonary therapy. The combination of carriers of a carbohydrate nature and gelling agents is advantageous for controlled drug release. The experimental work aimed to prepare by spray drying and subsequently evaluate ten batches of microparticles composed of sugar-based carriers (mannitol, maltodextrin, dextran) and gelling polymers (chitosan, chondroitin sulfate) and to select a suitable combination for follow-up experimental work aimed at drug incorporation into the microparticle matrix. The most suitable parameters were exhibited by batches whose aerodynamic diameter was close to 5 µm, particles prepared from a combination of mannitol and dextran, chitosan and chondroitin, or maltodextrin and chondroitin. These batches also showed the highest fine particle fraction value (> 43%). From a processability point of view, the batch with maltodextrin and chondroitin is preferable due to the lower viscosity of the dispersion and the more regular shape of the final microparticles.

Keywords: microparticles; Mixtures; inhalation administration; carriers; spray drying

Grants and funding:

Práce vznikla za podpory projektu SVVMUNI/A/1140/2021.

Received: April 4, 2023; Accepted: June 29, 2023; Published: May 1, 2023  Show citation