Chitosan Microparticles As A Drug Delivery System Against Respiratory Tract Infections
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a global health burden. They include a wide range of diseases, from common colds to severe pneumonia. A novel chitosan containing microparticle was developed as a potential drug carrier system for the treatment of RTIs.
Chitosan/hydrolyzed collagen interaction product-based microparticles for the treatment of respiratory tract infections Valentino, C., Perucchini, M., Vigani, B., Ruggeri, M., Pellegrini, A., Pietrocola, G., Varacca, G., Bettini, R., Milanese, C., Sandri, G., Rossi, S., 2025. Development of chitosan/hydrolyzed collagen interaction product-based microparticles for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 288.
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) pose a significant health threat, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Traditional drug formulations often suffer from poor bioavailability, inadequate retention at the infection site, and rapid clearance, limiting their effectiveness. Developing innovative drug delivery systems could help overcome these challenges and improve treatment outcomes. In recent years advances have been made in developing drug carrier systems containing biopolymers such as chitosan. In this study interaction product-based microparticles using hydrolyzed collagen and chitosan were produced and characterized. The development of pulmonary drug delivery systems is of great interest, particularly for the treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). This approach takes advantage of the lung’s large surface area, which enhances drug absorption. Additionally, pulmonary administration offers several benefits, including being self-administrable, non-invasive, and providing excellent vascularization and permeability, making it an effective and patient-friendly drug delivery method. A chitosan with MW 190-310 kDa and a deacetylation grade of 85% was used to create the microparticles. Similar and even more specified chitosan can be found at our shop.
Results
The Chitosan collagen interaction product microparticles showed a high stability as no significant change of the zeta potential was measured over time. Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter of the particles was below 5 µm. Therefore, the microparticles are suitable for pulmonary administration because they can reach the bronchi and alveolar region. A tracer substance was used the demonstrated the encapsulation efficiency of the particles. The microparticles exhibited swelling properties, which could be advantageous for pulmonary administration. This swelling behavior enhances the retention time of the drug loaded into the particles, allowing for a controlled drug release strategy. Additionally, the swelling reduces clearance by macrophages, further improving the therapeutic potential.
A lung epithelium cell line was used to demonstrate the low cytotoxicity of the particles in vitro. The Microparticles possess antibacterial properties. The growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was inhibited after the application of the Microparticles. Further the treatment of epithelial cells inhibited the adhesion of bacteria to the cells. The antimicrobial activity of the microparticle itself could enhance the effect of a drug loaded onto it.
Summary:
A chitosan/ hydrolyzed collagen interaction product based microparticle was developed. The formation of the particles was achieved by using a spray-drying process. Therefore, no toxic cross-linking agent or other harsh reaction conditions were needed. Antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity in vitro Chitosan containing microparticles could be promising candidates for the development of novel pulmonary drug delivery systems due to their favorable attributes such as low cytotoxicity and biocompatibility.