Rifampin microspheres were prepared by spray drying using either polylactic acid (PLA) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers in different drug to polymer ratios (90:10 to 5:95, w/w). The in-vitro release characteristics, particle-size distribution, and cytotoxicity (in an alveolar macrophage cell line) and pharmacokinetics in rats after pulmonary instillation were evaluated. Increasing the polymer content from 10% to 95% slowed down the in vitro drug release with PLGA particles showing a steeper change with increasing polymer content (100% to 20% drug release over 6 h) than PLA particles (88% to 42% drug release over 6 h). PLA microsphere formulations revealed lack of cytotoxicity and a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMDA) of 2.22-2.86 mum, while PLGA particles were larger (MMDA of 4.67-5.11 mum). Pharmacokinetics differed among the formulations with the 10% PLA formulation showing a distinct sustained release (t (max) of 2 h vs 0.5 h of free drug) and a systemic bioavailability similar to that of free drug. Formulations with high polymer content showed a lower relative bioavailability (30%). This suggested that an optimal release rate existed for which a distinct amount of drug was delivered over an extended period of time.

Abstract. Formation of inhalable microparticles containing rifampicin and poly(L-lactide) (L-PLA) by using supercritical anti-solvent process (SAS) was investigated. The solutions of drug and polymer in methylene chloride were sprayed into supercritical carbon dioxide. The effect of polymer content and operating conditions, temperature, pressure, carbon dioxide molar fraction, and concentration of solution, on product characteristics were studied. The prepared microparticles were characterized with respect to their morphology, particle size and size distribution, drug content, drug loading efficiency, and drug release characteristic. Discrete, spherical microparticles were obtained at high polymer:drug ratios of 7:3, 8:2, and 9:1. The shape of L-PLA microparticles became more irregular and agglomerated with decreasing polymer content. Microparticles with polymer content higher than 60% exhibited volumetric mean diameter less than 5 μm, but percent drug loading efficiency was relatively low. Drug-loaded microparticles containing 70% and 80% L-PLA showed a sustainable drug release property without initial burst release. Operating temperature level influenced on mean size and size distribution of microparticles. The operating pressure and carbon dioxide molar fraction in the range investigated were unlikely to have an effect on microparticle formation. An increasing concentration of feed solution provided larger size microparticles. Rifampicin-loaded L-PLA microparticles could be produced by SAS in a size range suitable for dry powder inhaler formulation.

No abstract

KEYWORDS: rice starch, microcrystalline cellulose, spray drying, coprocessed excipient, direct compression Composite particles of rice starch (RS) and microcrystalline cellulose were fabricated by spray-drying technique to be used as a directly compressible excipient. Two size fractions of microcrystalline cellulose, sieved (MCS) and jet milled (MCJ), having volumetric mean diameter (D 50 ) of 13.61 and 40.51 µm, respectively, were used to form composite particles with RS in various mixing ratios. The composite particles produced were evaluated for their powder and compression properties. Although an increase in the microcrystalline cellulose proportion imparted greater compressibility of the composite particles, the shape of the particles was typically less spherical with rougher surface resulting in a decrease in the degree of flowability. Compressibility of composite particles made from different size fractions of microcrystalline cellulose was not different; however, using MCJ, which had a particle size range close to the size of RS (D 50 = 13.57 µm), provided more spherical particles than using MCS. Spherical composite particles between RS and MCJ in the ratio of 7:3 (RS-MCJ-73) were then evaluated for powder properties and compressibility in comparison with some marketed directly compressible diluents. Compressibility of RS-MCJ-73 was greater than commercial spray-dried RS (Eratab), coprocessed lactose and microcrystalline cellulose (Cellactose), and agglomerated lactose (Tablettose), but, as expected, lower than microcrystalline cellulose (Vivapur 101). Flowability index of RS-MCJ-73 appeared to be slightly lower than Eratab but higher than Vivapur 101, Cellactose, and Tablettose. Tablets of RS-MCJ-73 exhibited low friability and good self-disintegrating property. It was concluded that these developed composite particles could be introduced as a new coprocessed direct compression excipient.

The effect of concentration and particle size on the adhesive tendency of drug particles in a model interactive system was investigated using a centrifuge technique. The model interactive system consisted of drug powders adhered to coated glass carrier beads. Adhesion profiles of per cent of drug remaining on the carrier versus the square of the speed of rotation were a logarithmic normal function. Increase in the adherent particle size and concentration decreased the adhesive tendency of all drug powders studied. Particle collisions during detachment and the formation of multiparticulate layers even before the monolayer saturation of the carrier surface were responsible for the reduced adhesive stability of the drugs on the carrier as the particle loading increased.