[Effect of surface modification on surface energy of lactose and performance of dry powder inhalations].

AIM

To investigate the effects of surface modification of lactose carrier on performance of dry powder inhalations (DPIs).

METHODS

Modified lactose surface was prepared using a "particle smoothing" process to obtain smooth carrier surface and low surface energy with the presence of magnesium stearate, colloidal silica dioxide and talc. Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to assess the surface energy of treated lactose, and the in vitro deposition of carrier-based IFNa-2b DPIs was evaluated with twin stage impinger.

RESULTS

The flowing property of lactose was greatly improved and the surface energy decreased by the "particle smoothing" process. Decreasing surface energy resulted in greater aspiration fraction of IFNa-2b.

CONCLUSION

IGC is a potentially useful tool for rapid formulation design and screening.