Development of chitosan-based dry powder inhalation system of cisplatin for lung cancer

Cisplatin, a platinum compound, exerts its cytotoxic effects by coordinating to DNA where it inhibits both replication and transcription, and induces programmed cell death. It is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. In the present study, an attempt was made to achieve better treatment of lung cancer by direct lung delivery of cisplatin microparticulate systems, which helps to localize the drug in the lungs, and also provide sustained action. Cisplatin-loaded chitosan microspheres were prepared by emulsification and ionotropic gelation method, and characterized for drug content, particle size, densities, flow properties, moisture content, and surface topography by SEM and in vitro drug release was evaluated in simulated lung fluid at 37 0 at pH 7.4. The respirable or fine particle fraction (FPF) was determined by using twin stage impinger (TSI). Further stability evaluation of cisplatin-loaded DPI systems was carried out at 25 0 /60% RH and at 40°/75% RH.