Inhalable Formulation Based on Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for the Macrophage Targeted Delivery of Roflumilast

Biomacromolecules. 2022 Aug 8;23(8):3439-3451. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00576. Epub 2022 Jul 28.

Abstract

Here, novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs), targeted to lung macrophages, were realized as potential carriers for Roflumilast administration in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To achieve this, Roflumilast-loaded fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles, based on a polyaspartamide-polycaprolactone graft copolymer, and lipid vesicles, made from 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-phosphoethanolamine-N-(polyethylene glycol)-mannose, were properly combined using a two-step method, successfully obtaining Roflumilast-loaded hybrid fluorescent nanoparticles (Man-LPHFNPs@Roflumilast). These exhibit colloidal size and a negative ζ potential, 50 wt % phospholipids, and a core-shell-type morphology; they slowly release the entrapped drug in a simulated physiological fluid. The surface analysis also demonstrated their high surface PEG density, which confers mucus-penetrating properties. Man-LPHFNPs@Roflumilast show high cytocompatibility toward human bronchial epithelium cells and macrophages and are uptaken by the latter through an active mannose-mediated targeting process. To achieve an inhalable formulation, the nano-into-micro strategy was applied, encapsulating Man-LPHFNPs@Roflumilast in poly(vinyl alcohol)/leucine-based microparticles by spray-drying.

MeSH terms

  • Aminopyridines
  • Benzamides
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Humans
  • Macrophages
  • Mannose
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Particle Size
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Polymers*

Substances

  • Aminopyridines
  • Benzamides
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines
  • Polymers
  • Roflumilast
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Mannose