Encapsulation of Nanocrystals in Mannitol-Based Inhalable Microparticles via Spray-Drying: A Promising Strategy for Lung Delivery of Curcumin

Background/Objectives: Curcumin is well known for its great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy, representing a potential strategy for the treatment of respiratory disorders. However, several drawbacks, such as chemical instability, poor water solubility and rapid metabolism, result in low bi...

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Main Authors: Luca Casula, Emanuela Fabiola Craparo, Eleonora Lai, Cinzia Scialabba, Donatella Valenti, Michele Schlich, Chiara Sinico, Gennara Cavallaro, Francesco Lai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Pharmaceuticals
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/12/1708
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author Luca Casula
Emanuela Fabiola Craparo
Eleonora Lai
Cinzia Scialabba
Donatella Valenti
Michele Schlich
Chiara Sinico
Gennara Cavallaro
Francesco Lai
author_facet Luca Casula
Emanuela Fabiola Craparo
Eleonora Lai
Cinzia Scialabba
Donatella Valenti
Michele Schlich
Chiara Sinico
Gennara Cavallaro
Francesco Lai
author_sort Luca Casula
collection DOAJ
description Background/Objectives: Curcumin is well known for its great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy, representing a potential strategy for the treatment of respiratory disorders. However, several drawbacks, such as chemical instability, poor water solubility and rapid metabolism, result in low bioavailability, limiting its clinical applications. In this study, curcumin nanocrystals were incorporated into mannitol-based microparticles to obtain an inhalable dry powder. Methods: A curcumin nanosuspension was produced by wet-ball media milling and thoroughly characterized. Spray drying was then used to produce mannitol microparticles incorporating curcumin nanocrystals. In vitro release/dissolution tests were carried out in simulated lung fluids, and the aerosolization properties were evaluated using a Next-Generation Impactor (NGI, Apparatus E Ph. Eu.). Results: The incorporation of curcumin nanocrystals into mannitol-based microparticles influenced their morphological properties, such as geometric diameters, and flowability. Despite these changes, nebulization studies confirmed optimal MMAD values (<5 µm), while multi-step dissolution/release studies evidenced the influence of mannitol. Conclusions: The developed curcumin nanocrystals-loaded mannitol microparticles show promise as an inhalable treatment for respiratory diseases, combining effective aerodynamic properties with controlled drug release.
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spelling doaj-art-28b142bc035f4fd584bb4bfd2e1d5a552025-08-20T02:56:54ZengMDPI AGPharmaceuticals1424-82472024-12-011712170810.3390/ph17121708Encapsulation of Nanocrystals in Mannitol-Based Inhalable Microparticles via Spray-Drying: A Promising Strategy for Lung Delivery of CurcuminLuca Casula0Emanuela Fabiola Craparo1Eleonora Lai2Cinzia Scialabba3Donatella Valenti4Michele Schlich5Chiara Sinico6Gennara Cavallaro7Francesco Lai8Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, ItalyLaboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, ItalyDepartment of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, ItalyLaboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, ItalyDepartment of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, ItalyDepartment of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, ItalyDepartment of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, ItalyLaboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, ItalyDepartment of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, ItalyBackground/Objectives: Curcumin is well known for its great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy, representing a potential strategy for the treatment of respiratory disorders. However, several drawbacks, such as chemical instability, poor water solubility and rapid metabolism, result in low bioavailability, limiting its clinical applications. In this study, curcumin nanocrystals were incorporated into mannitol-based microparticles to obtain an inhalable dry powder. Methods: A curcumin nanosuspension was produced by wet-ball media milling and thoroughly characterized. Spray drying was then used to produce mannitol microparticles incorporating curcumin nanocrystals. In vitro release/dissolution tests were carried out in simulated lung fluids, and the aerosolization properties were evaluated using a Next-Generation Impactor (NGI, Apparatus E Ph. Eu.). Results: The incorporation of curcumin nanocrystals into mannitol-based microparticles influenced their morphological properties, such as geometric diameters, and flowability. Despite these changes, nebulization studies confirmed optimal MMAD values (<5 µm), while multi-step dissolution/release studies evidenced the influence of mannitol. Conclusions: The developed curcumin nanocrystals-loaded mannitol microparticles show promise as an inhalable treatment for respiratory diseases, combining effective aerodynamic properties with controlled drug release.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/12/1708nano into micronanosuspensioninhalable microparticlescurcuminpulmonary delivery
spellingShingle Luca Casula
Emanuela Fabiola Craparo
Eleonora Lai
Cinzia Scialabba
Donatella Valenti
Michele Schlich
Chiara Sinico
Gennara Cavallaro
Francesco Lai
Encapsulation of Nanocrystals in Mannitol-Based Inhalable Microparticles via Spray-Drying: A Promising Strategy for Lung Delivery of Curcumin
Pharmaceuticals
nano into micro
nanosuspension
inhalable microparticles
curcumin
pulmonary delivery
title Encapsulation of Nanocrystals in Mannitol-Based Inhalable Microparticles via Spray-Drying: A Promising Strategy for Lung Delivery of Curcumin
title_full Encapsulation of Nanocrystals in Mannitol-Based Inhalable Microparticles via Spray-Drying: A Promising Strategy for Lung Delivery of Curcumin
title_fullStr Encapsulation of Nanocrystals in Mannitol-Based Inhalable Microparticles via Spray-Drying: A Promising Strategy for Lung Delivery of Curcumin
title_full_unstemmed Encapsulation of Nanocrystals in Mannitol-Based Inhalable Microparticles via Spray-Drying: A Promising Strategy for Lung Delivery of Curcumin
title_short Encapsulation of Nanocrystals in Mannitol-Based Inhalable Microparticles via Spray-Drying: A Promising Strategy for Lung Delivery of Curcumin
title_sort encapsulation of nanocrystals in mannitol based inhalable microparticles via spray drying a promising strategy for lung delivery of curcumin
topic nano into micro
nanosuspension
inhalable microparticles
curcumin
pulmonary delivery
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/12/1708
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