Characteristics and Lung Deposition of Alginate-Carrageenan (1:1) Microspheres Loaded with Ciprofloxacin HCl
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microspheres as a drug delivery system through the inhalation route have become a promising approach in the therapy of pulmonary diseases, especially tuberculosis, when loaded with Ciprofloxacin HCl. Lung deposition is an important factor in pulmonary drug delivery. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics and in vivo lung deposition of alginate-carrageenan microspheres loaded with ciprofloxacin HCl, produced using a combination polymer concentration of 0.9% (1:1 ratio) and 1.5 M CaCl2 as a crosslinker via the ionic gelation method with an aerosolization technique. Microspheres were characterized by morphology, moisture content, yield, size, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency. Lung deposition test was carried out using a dry powder inhaler simulation tool. Results showed that the microspheres had a spherical and smooth shape with a size of 2.42 µm ± 0.29, and a yield of 96.16% ± 0.69. Drug loading and entrapment efficiency were 4.60% ± 0.09 and 80.14% ± 1.81, respectively, with a moisture content of 2.74% ± 0.11. In vivo analysis showed that the microspheres were deposited in the lungs of rats within the first hour, with the intensity increasing by the fourth hour. The increased intensity indicates that the microspheres are able to retain the drug. This study concludes that inhalation microspheres are potential candidates for lung delivery.
Authors: Amiruddin, Mahardian Rahmadi, Dewi M. Hariyadi
Institution: Universitas Airlangga
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7149649851