Preparation of dry powder inhalation based on phytosomes-chitosan microspheres by spray-drying method and study on its characterization / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To prepare a dry powder inhalation based on phytosomes-chitosan microspheres and to investigate the possibility for pulmonary delivery. Methods: Curcumin was selected to be model drug. The curcumin-phytosomes loaded chitosan microspheres (Cur-PS-CMs) were prepared by spray-drying method. The technology was optimized using drug loading, angle of repose, moisture uptake, theoretical aerodynamic diameter, and aerodynamic behavior in vitro as evaluation indexes. The optimized Cur-PS-CMs were characterized by SEM, DSC, and X-ray diffraction. Results: The drug loading of optimized Cur-PS-CMs was (11.79 ± 0.82)%, and the theoretical aerodynamic diameter was (3.93 ± 0.53) μm. The fine particle fraction and emitted dose were (59.36 ± 5.17)% and (98.55 ± 0.60)%, respectively. The humidity uptake was less than 10% but the powder flowability was poor. SEM showed that Cur-PS-CMs were spherical with smooth surface. DSC and X-ray diffraction verified that Cur was not released from PS in CMs. Conclusion: The PS-CMs prepared by spray-drying method may have a potential to be used as a dry powder inhalation for pulmonary delivery.