Crystallization induced flower-like lactose as potential carriers for dry powder inhaler application

The study documents the flower-like lactose particles as potential carriers to improve Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) efficiency. The lactose particles (LM_x, LM_f) are prepared by anti-solvent crystallization and compared with commercial lactose carriers (Inhalac 251; LM_c). Formulations of 1.48% w/w drug loading are prepared using salbutamol sulfate (model drug) and different lactose carriers.

Highlights

• Crystallization induced flower-like lactose gives high %FPF than commercial lactose.

• Flower-like lactose particles are potential inhalable carriers for DPI application.

• Particle, bulk property and %FPF are correlated using principal component analysis.

• High %FPF is due to higher surface roughness, energy and % fine lactose particles.

The carrier properties are correlated with %FPF using principal component analysis. The analytical results confirm LM_x is α-lactose monohydrate, LM_f comprises α and β-lactose. Time-resolved crystal growth shows that the LM_x particle is agglomerated structure while, LM_f particle appear as flower-like structure of size (~45.37–63.92 μm) with high surface and aerodynamic properties compared to LM_c. The in-vitro aerosolization studies resulted in higher fine particle fraction (%FPF) for formulations with LM_x (~33.23%) and LM_f (~44.85%) compared to LM_c (~23.40%). The high %FPF is mainly attributed to the higher surface roughness, amorphicity, surface energy of engineered lactose carriers.

See the article

Neetu Varun, Chinmay Ghoroi,
Crystallization induced flower-like lactose as potential carriers for dry powder inhaler application,
Powder Technology, 2022, 117391, ISSN 0032-5910,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117391.