Impact of lyoprotectants for the stabilization of biodegradable nanoparticles on the performance of air-jet, ultrasonic, and vibrating-mesh nebulizers.

Strategies for further advancements in pulmonary drug delivery include the application of colloidal carriers. Freeze-drying in the presence of lyoprotectants is a valuable approach to improve long-term stability of biodegradable nanoparticles, but possibly constrains aerosol generation after powder rehydration, when employing traditional nebulizers. Here, we investigated the impact of lyoprotectants on both output and aerodynamic performance of air-jet, ultrasonic, and vibrating-mesh nebulization. Additionally, changes in formulation temperature and concentration were monitored, to estimate physicochemical alterations of formulations during nebulization. The stability of poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles was maintained for lyoprotectant/nanoparticle ratios above 5/1. All nebulized formulations displayed suitable output and aerodynamic characteristics for peripheral lung deposition. Air-jet- and ultrasonic nebulization was associated with considerable temperature (~10°C) and concentration changes (up to 156%) of the reservoir fluid, which consequently, caused significant shifting of surface tension and viscosity. By contrast, vibrating-mesh nebulization caused marginal temperature increase (~5°C) with no apparent signs of concentration. Thus, the changing surface tension and viscosity were fitted employing Eötvös' rule and the Andrade equation (R(2)>0.98), allowing to predict the physicochemical properties of each formulation for prolonged nebulization periods. In particular, vibrating-mesh nebulization seems to be promising for aerosol application of rehydrated freeze-dried biodegradable nanoparticles to the respiratory tract.