Development of ciprofloxacin-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) dry powder formulations for lung delivery

This study aims to develop and characterize inhalable ciprofloxacin (CPx)-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microparticles by a single-step spray-drying procedure. The optimization of the processing parameters was achieved by an orthogonal design of the most relevant processing parameters (polymer concentration, feed rate and inlet temperature). The obtained spray-dried particles showed a drug encapsulation efficiency higher than 90%. Furthermore, PVA-CPx formulations, with drug contents up to 10 wt%, showed a morphology and size suitable for inhalation, with a sustained release profile over 24 h. Data from Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry indicated absence of interaction between the polymer matrix and the drug. Aerodynamic assessment of PVA-CPx 10 wt% was determined by the next generation impactor (NGI), using spray-dried CPx as a control. The results showed improved values of mass median aerodynamic diameter ( 5.06 ± 0.10 μ m ) and a fine particle fraction ( 39.78 ± 0.98 % ) when comparing with the CPx alone ( 5.33 ± 0.39 μ m and 30.43 ± 1.38 % ). This study highlights the potential of spray-dried PVA microparticles as drug carriers for lung local delivery of antibiotics. Graphical abstract
Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research