Characterization of Dry Powder Inhaler Quercetin Solid Lipid Microparticle (SLM) as Lung Delivery System: Effect of Polymer Concentration

The inhalation route for pulmonary treatment can provide many advantages such as high surface area with fast absorption due to high vascularity, avoiding the first pass effect, therapeutic effect can be achieved at much lower doses, as well as targeted drug delivery so as to reduce side effects. Solid lipid microparticle system containing Quercetin which was formed as Dry Powder using glyceryl behenate as lipid and poloxamer 188 as surfactant polymer was prepared. The system was characterised in terms of moisture content, morphology, particle size, flow properties, aerosolization study, mass median aero dynamic (MMAD) and in vitro release. Size and morphology was spherical and smooth with dry and small size met inhalation size (<5 μm). Flow properties showed good; however aerodynamics size based on aerosolization study was not as good as flow characteristics. Recovery dose was between 26 - 43%. In vitro release of Quercetin demonstrated burst release for lower poloxamer concentration, whereas higher surfactant concentration affected the release profile become prolong and controlled release. This study has shown that SLM Quercetin may potential for controlled release respiratory therapy. Further study of stability and activity were highly recommended for lung treatment.