Hyaluronic acid microparticles loaded with Shuang-Huang-Lian phospholipid complex for sustained pulmonary delivery: An in vitro and in vivo evaluation
10.1097/st9.0000000000000068
- Author:
Weiya CHEN
1
;
Jiaxing WEI
2
;
Chenyang YU
2
;
Xiang FU
2
;
Yuzhuo LI
2
;
Yonghong LIAO
2
Author Information
1. Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
2. Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Phospholipid complex;
Spray-dried microparticles;
Low respiratory tract infections;
Pulmonary delivery;
Sustained release
- From:
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;3(2):158-167
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Inhalation-based combination therapy has gained increasing attention for local treatments. However, a key challenge remains in ensuring the sustained pulmonary release of multiple active ingredients, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations. Objective: This study investigates a novel PulmoSphere-based inhalable carrier designed for the sustained pulmonary release of multiple active ingredients, using Shuang-Huang-Lian as a model TCM formulation containing three chemical markers. Materials and methods: The carrier was developed using PulmoSphere technology, incorporating phospholipid complexes of the chemical markers and hyaluronic acid (HA) into spray-dried microparticles. The aerodynamic properties, release characteristics, pulmonary distribution, and anti-inflammatory efficacy of different formulations were evaluated in vitro and in mice. Results: The microparticles retained the excellent aerodynamic properties of conventional PulmoSphere particles, with a mass median aerodynamic diameter of approximately 3.1 μm and a fine particle fraction of approximately 55%. Compared to free Shuang-Huang-Lian or phospholipid complex-loaded PulmoSphere particles, the HA-containing particles prolonged the retention of chemical markers in the lung epithelial lining fluid, demonstrating sustained release in vivo. Additionally, the HA-containing formulation enhanced the exposure of the three chemical markers to immune cells and lung tissues, leading to improved and prolonged anti-inflammatory effects, even at decreased doses. Conclusion: This novel inhalable particle system represents a promising approach for sustained pulmonary co-delivery of multiple active ingredients, offering enhanced and extended local therapeutic efficacy.
