Design and Characterization of Spray-Dried Proliposomes for the Pulmonary Delivery of Curcumin

Introduction

Cancer is one of the leading hazardous and life-threatening diseases to ever-present. Despite recent advances in cancer diagnosis and therapy, it is still held responsible for the second highest rates of deaths among other diseases.¹ Lung cancer, not only the most common type of cancers but also accounts for the greatest mortality among them all.^2,3 Lung cancer could be either small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) or, more commonly (85% occurrence), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).⁴ There is a complex interplay between cancer and chronic inflammation. Clinical studies suggested that chronic airway inflammation causes airway remodeling with epithelial cell mutations and provide a suitable environment for lung carcinogenesis.⁵ Also, the release of the angiogenic, anti-apoptotic cytokines; interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as a response anti-inflammatory mechanism is favorable for tumor progression.⁶ On the other hand, tumors are believed to induce inflammation.⁷ Cancers express cytokines that initiate inflammatory response and allocate neutrophils on site, referred to as Tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes.⁸ Also, cancer itself causes physical cell damage which initiates inflammatory response.⁹ Finally, cancers might compress blood vessels, limiting nutrient and oxygen supply resulting in the release of angiogenic growth factors, recruiting new blood vessels and more macrophages.¹⁰ Hence, anti-inflammatory therapy could be beneficial in both preventive and curative approaches in cancer-susceptible and cancer-plagued patients.

Various approaches are available for the treatment of primary lung cancer. Cancer chemotherapy, surgical tumor removal and radiation therapy are mostly used.⁴ Conventional drug delivery routes such as intravenous injections and oral delivery are used but present systemic side effects due to limitations of the routes themselves.¹¹ Inhalation route proves superior in offering a more targeted approach and thus, avoiding possible systemic exposure and systemic side effects.¹¹ Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) offer feasible means of drug delivery to the deep lung tissues and lower airways while ensuring the drug remains stable for long periods of storage, unlike other pulmonary inhalers and nebulizers, due to being in dry powder form.^4,11

Besides chemical anticancer agents, several agents isolated from natural origins are proved to be effective as add-on therapy. Curcumin is an example of a natural anticancer agent. Curcumin is a polyphenolic molecule extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, which was, and still being, heavily studied over the last few years. Along with its anticancer activity, curcumin also possesses anti-oxidant, immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities.^12,13 It is effective in a wide array of cancers including lung cancer, breast cancer, hematological cancers, prostate cancer, colorectal cancers and hepatic cancer.¹⁴ Curcumin is thought to be interfering with signaling pathways involved in cancer tissue development. Besides that, it also downregulates the anti-apoptotic proteins and upregulates the pro-apoptotic ones. This dual action helps contain cancer tissues and prevents it from further metastasis.^14,15 In addition to its anticancer activity, the anti-inflammatory activity is extremely beneficial in cancer treatment. It exerts its anti-inflammatory action through inhibiting the production of the major involved proinflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6 and IL-10.^16,17 It was also found to induce neutrophils apoptosis.¹⁸ Despite the former beneficial activities of curcumin that enables it to be used either alone or as adjunct therapy in cancer, serious drawbacks limit its successful application. Low aqueous solubility (11 ng/mL at 25°C), high photosensitivity, rapid in vivo metabolism and poor cellular uptake severely limit its bioavailability.^13,19 Encapsulation of curcumin within liposomes seemed to have solved most of the previous drawbacks. Liposomes are lipid vesicles composed of phospholipid bilayer structure engulfing an aqueous core. By the look of it, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs can be incorporated successfully within liposomes, either in the aqueous center or in the phospholipid bilayer membranes, respectively.⁴ Large-scale production of liposomes is not feasible due to the high costs of the upscaling process.²⁰ Liposomes also suffer from being relatively unstable colloidal systems.²¹ Both, the high costs and stability concerns of liposomes were solved by the introduction of the concept of proliposomes. Proliposomes are completely dry, free-flowing powders made of lipid vesicles engulfing the drug in question within its bilayer structure.²² Since proliposomes are collected and stored in dry condition, they offer higher stability profiles than other lipid solutions/suspensions.¹³ Being in dry powder form, proliposomes facilitate product transfer and storage which lowers costs needed otherwise.²¹ Proliposomes undergo a rapid and easy hydration step, under controlled conditions of temperature and agitation, to turn into liposomes. Within the aqueous environment of the lungs, proliposomes are easily hydrated and exert their action locally or, if needed, rapidly absorbed and enters the systemic circulation.

In this study, curcumin-loaded proliposomes were prepared by nano-spray dryer using lecithin and cholesterol as vesicle matrix components, stearyl amine (SA) as a positive charge inducer, poloxamer 188 (PLX 188) as a surfactant and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as a carrier to produce freely flowing powders. The prepared formulations were evaluated for their percentage yield, particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release. Morphological characters as well as aerodynamic particle size were assessed. Cytotoxicity of the chosen formulations as well as their effect on proinflammatory cytokines was examined against A-549 cell line.

Materials and Methods

Materials

Curcumin was kindly gifted by Guangzhou Phytochem Sciences Inc., China. Lecithin was brought from Fischer Scientific, USA. Cholesterol, stearylamine (SA), poloxamer 188 (PLX 188) and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and dialysis tubing cellulose membrane (molecular weight cutoff 14,000 g/mol) were procured from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, USA. Methanol and acetonitrile, HPLC grade, were bought from Sigma-Aldrich, UK.

The rest of the reagents were of analytical grade and used as received.

Preparation of Spray-Dried Curcumin-Loaded Proliposomes (SD/P)

Spray-dried curcumin-loaded proliposomes (SD/P) were prepared using a nano-spray dryer (Buchi^® nano-spray dryer B-90, Büchi Labortechnik, Switzerland) similar to the technique used in previous work with some modifications.²³ For the preparation of SD/P, different components were used. Different ratios of lecithin and cholesterol were tried as follows: 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 w/w calculated on molar basis with regard to the total lipid content (200 mg). SA was used as a cationic surface charge modifier and PLX 188 as a surfactant. Furthermore, HPβCD was added as a carrier for the preparation of dry particles through the nano-spray dryer. Definite amounts of curcumin were added (20 mg). SD/P were prepared by dissolving the individual components in dehydrated ethanol (20 mL) by vortexing (Reax Top Vortex Mixer, Heidolph, Germany) for 30 sec. The composition of the prepared SD/P is collected in Table 1. Following, the formed solutions were sprayed through the nano-spray dryer equipped with a vibration mesh spray with mean pore size equals to 7.0 μm. The solutions were introduced with a feeding rate of 25 mL/h. Nitrogen flow rate was 90 L/min. Inlet and outlet temperatures were kept at 90 and 45°C, respectively. The prepared SD/P were retrieved from the drying chamber and kept in desiccators at room temperature pending for more studies.

Table 1 Composition and Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded Spray-Dried Proliposomes

Preparation of Improved Spray-Dried Curcumin-Loaded Proliposomes (SD/P)

Improved spray-dried proliposomes were prepared following the same steps as in the previous section but using higher amounts of the carrier (HPβCD; 2 g) for comparison purposes (Table 1).

Characterization of the Prepared Spray-Dried Curcumin-Loaded Proliposomes (SD/P)

Determination of Percentage Yield

% yield of the prepared SD/P was calculated from the ratio of the weight of the collected powder after spray-drying to the initial weights of solid components introduced in the feed solution, as shown by the equation:

Particle Size (PS), Polydispersity Index (PDI) and Zeta Potential (ZP) Analysis

PS of the prepared SD/P was assessed using ZetaSizer Nano ZS (Malvern Instruments, Worcestershire, UK). Samples were, first, adequately diluted with phosphate buffer; pH 7.4 till the formation of faint opalescence, then PS was assayed. For assessing the particle size distribution, the PDI was determined. Furthermore, the ZP of the diluted samples was assessed to determine the surface charge of the particles.

Drug Content (% DC) and Drug Loading (% DL)

Accurately measured weights of SD/P were dissolved in 95% ethanol. Following, the formed solution was analyzed for curcumin content at wavelength of 425 nm using Shimadzu UV Spectrophotometer (model UV-1601 PC; Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). The drug content and drug loading were determined from the succeeding equations:

Entrapment Efficiency (EE)

Weights from the investigated SD/P equivalent to 0.1 mg curcumin were reconstituted in 2 mL phosphate buffer pH 7.4, vortexed for 3 min. The diluted liposomal dispersion was centrifuged (Model 8880, Centurion Scientific Ltd., W. Sussex, UK) at 16,000 rpm for 45 min at 4°C. The separated liposomes were washed twice with buffer, followed by dissolving the residue in certain volume of ethanol by sonication (10 mL) at 37 °C for 3 min. Curcumin concentration was assayed spectrophotometrically at 425 nm. % EE was determined as follows:

In vitro Release Testing

In vitro release behavior of the selected SD/P was monitored using dialysis bag method with minor modifications.²⁴ Specific amounts of the investigated SD/P (equivalent to 1 mg curcumin) were vortexed with 1.5 mL ethanolic phosphate buffer solution (30% v/v; pH 7.4) then placed in dialysis cellulose bags. The bags were locked from both ends. Prior to this, the cellulose bags were soaked in distilled water overnight. Following, the filled bags were transferred individually to 90 mL glass bottles containing 50 mL of the release medium. The bottles were placed in a thermostatically controlled shaker (Unimax, IKA, Germany) at 100 rpm and 37 ± 0.2 °C. Aliquots of 3 mL were withdrawn at predefined time intervals and analyzed for curcumin content spectrophotometrically at 425 nm. The withdrawn aliquots were replaced with 3 mL of fresh release medium to ensure sink conditions are maintained. The release of curcumin hydroalcoholic solution was determined following the same steps for comparison purposes.

The % curcumin released after 2 and 24 h (Q2h & Q24h, respectively) were determined to compare between the investigated formulations.

In addition, the % release efficiency (% RE) was calculated as the area under the release curve to the last time point designated as the rectangle’s area percentage and signifying 100% release after corresponding time.²⁵

where the integral is the area under the release curve to time t and y₁₀₀ is the area of the rectangle described by 100% release at time t.

Aerodynamic Particle Size Characterization

Certain amounts of the improved formulations (SD/P4 and SD/P6) and pure curcumin powder equivalent to 500 µg drug were placed separately in hard gelatin capsules (size 3) suitable for the Aerolizer^® dry powder inhaler (DPI) (Novartis Pharma, Egypt) to determine their aerodynamic characters using Andersen MKII Cascade Impactor (ACI; GF 50, Copley Scientific Ltd, UK).

All the parts of the ACI (including the pre-separator) were washed in the mobile phase mixture composed of acetonitrile: methanol: water at a ratio of 40:20:40 (% v/v/v) and adjusted at pH 3.0 then left to dry. Silicone fluid (Releasil B silicone spray, Dow Corning Limited, Barry, Glamorgan, UK) was used to spray the collection plates. After which, they were left to dry for at least one hour before analysis. The ACI was modified by replacing stages 0 and 7 by −0 and −1 in order to achieve a flow of 60 L/min.^26–29 Additionally, the 10 mL of the mobile phase mixture was placed in the pre-separator; and the final filter was a GF 50 (Copley Scientific Ltd, UK).

The inhalation flow through the mouthpiece of the Aerolizer^® DPI was adjusted at 60 L/min for a duration of 4 s. Under such modification, an inhaled air volume of 4 L was drawn through the inhaler.^30,31 The flow was measured by an electronic digital flow meter (MKS Instruments, USA). To avoid any leakage, Parafilm M laboratory film (Pechiney Plastic Packaging, USA) was utilized for sealing the ACI.

Three determinations were made for each formulation, according to a randomization procedure. Groups of three doses (1500 µg curcumin) were selected randomly using random schedules for each aerodynamic size determination. Each dose of three capsules was separately placed in the Aerolizer^® DPI and discharged into the ACI apparatus. Following the patient information leaflet instructions, the inhaler was loaded with one capsule to deliver one dose. It was placed tightly into the ACI USP throat and aligned along the horizontal axis. To allow such a volume of 4 L of air to be withdrawn each time, as recommended in Pharmacopeial Methods, the pump (with adjusted parameters as mentioned) was switched on for 4 s.^30,31 For each determination, three doses were discharged into the ACI. Each stage of the ACI was rinsed with a specified volume of the mobile phase mixture and the filter of the last stage (final filter) was completely submerged in the mobile phase mixture and then sonicated for 3 min (preliminary analysis revealed that this procedure removes all drug entrained on the filter). The amount of drug deposited on each stage and the final filter were determined by a previously validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.³² The conducted HPLC method used Chromosil C18 analytical column (Water Associates, 250 mm× 4.6 mm, 5μm, HPLC Bonda Pak. 10 μm, USA) and an isocratic pump (LC-10 AS, Shimadzu, Japan). A volume of 100 μL of sample was injected at ambient temperature for 10 min runtime with a flow of 1 mL/min and effluents were identified at 370 nm with a UV detector (RF-551, Shimadzu, Japan). The sample retention time was 6 min. The limit of detection was 0.305 μg/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 2 μg/mL. The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile: methanol: water (40:20:40 v/v/v) and the pH was adjusted at 3.

Aerodynamic Data Analysis

The aerosolization efficiency was assessed by calculating different parameters. Total emitted dose (TED; the % of the drug amount that reached the ACI relative to the nominal dose), fine particle dose (FPD, particles less than 5µm), fine particle fraction (FPF; the % of fine particles in the delivered dose) as well as the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD; the diameter at the midpoint on the frequency distribution) which was measured using Copley Inhaler Testing Data Analysis Software (CITDAS, Copley Scientific, Nottingham, UK).

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

FT-IR spectra were recorded for the selected formulations, the physical mixtures as well as their individual components. Two milligrams of each sample was first mixed with dry potassium bromide then the mixture was pressurized into a disc and scanned over a range of wavelength from 4000 to 400 cm⁻¹ using FT-IR 8400 (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan).

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

DSC analysis was assessed by accurately weighing 2 mg from the investigated formulation as well as its components individually in a hermetically sealed aluminum pan, then heated up from 25 to 350 °C at a constant rate of 10 °C/min under nitrogen atmosphere. All scans were analyzed using Shimadzu differential scanning calorimeter (DSC-50, Shimadzu, Japan).

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to study the morphology of the formed liposomes. Briefly, proliposomes were hydrated with drops of phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) then vortexed for 2 min. A drop of the dispersion was fixed onto copper grid and stained with 2% phosphotungstic acid then air-dried. The stained samples were examined using TEM (JEM-1230, Jeol, Tokyo, Japan) at 70 kV.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

The surface morphology of the selected SD/P was imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM; JSM-6400; JEOL Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) at a voltage of 20 kV. Samples were fixed on stubs using double-sided adhesive tape, then sputter-coated with a thin layer of gold.

Gamma Sterilization

The chosen pre-packed formulations (in containers with dry ice) were irradiated with 10KGy using a gamma irradiator (Gamma cell 1000; BEST Theratronics, Ontario, Canada).^33,34 The sterilized samples were re-evaluated for their PS, EE% and in vitro release behavior.

The similarity factor (f₂) was calculated to detect the similarity between the irradiated and non-irradiated formulations as follows:³⁵

where n is the sampling number, R and T are % drug released prior and post sterilization at each time point t.

Cell Line Studies

A549 Cell Line Propagation

Human epithelial cell line (A549), from a lung carcinoma tissue was purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Rockville, MD, USA.

A549 cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium. Both inactivated fetal calf serum (10%) and gentamycin (50µg/mL) were added to the medium. Cells were maintained in a suitable environment at 37°C, humidified atmosphere with 5% CO₂ and were regularly sub-cultured.

Cytotoxicity Evaluation Using MTT Test

Cellular uptake of curcumin, improved formulations (SD/P4 and SD/P6) and their corresponding non-medicated ones was studied using the human propagated tumor A549 cell line. A549 cell lines were suspended in RPMI-1960 medium then incubated for three days so that a concentration of 5×10⁴ cell/well in Corning^® 96-well culture plates was reached. To the well plates, equivalent amounts of tested samples were added (n=3). Eight concentrations for each tested sample were used. Furthermore, control groups were run for each well plate (n=3). Incubation was carried for 24 h. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to assess the viability of the cells.³⁶ The old media was exchanged with fresh RPMI-1640 medium (100 µL) without the addition of phenol red. Following, 10 µL of 12 mM MTT reagent was added to all wells plates then incubated for 4 h at 37°C and 5% CO₂. At the end of incubation, 50 µL DMSO was added and thoroughly mixed in every well then incubated for 10 min at 37°C. Viable cells were quantified by measuring the optical density of 590 nm using a microplate reader (BIORAD, Hercules, CA, USA). The percentage viability was calculated according to the following formula:

where ODt and ODc are the average optical density of the tested wells filled with the tested samples and the non-treated cells, correspondingly. The % viability was illustrated against the investigated samples’ concentrations to detect the influence of concentration on the viability of cells.

Influence of the Selected SD/P on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Sample Preparation

A549 cells were prepared in a concentration of 5×10⁴ cell/well. Fresh RPMI-1640 medium was added to each well. Tested samples (pure curcumin, improved SD/P4 and SD/P6) were added in concentrations equivalent to their corresponding IC₅₀. Control groups were carried out for each well plate (n=3). The well plate was incubated at 37°C for 4 h with 5% CO₂. The obtained suspension underwent sonication using ultrasonic cell disruptor (Bioruptor^® II, Cosmo Bio, Japan) followed by centrifugation (HERMLE Labortechnik GmbH, Germany) for 30 min at 1500 ×g. Finally, the supernatant was analyzed for its content of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10.

Capture of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α)

The technique used is similar to the one proposed by De Groote et al as a one-step culture-immunoassay procedure.³⁷ Antihuman TNF-α-coated sterile microplates were prepared for the incubation of tested samples or 100 µL of TNF-α standards (5 ng/mL) in 900 µL assay buffer at 20–23°C for 10 min. After complete dissolution, plates were capped and re-incubated for another 2 h under similar conditions to allow TNF-α production and immunocapture. Later, the caps were removed, and the plates were extensively washed to ensure complete removal of the unbound substrates. An antihuman TNF-α conjugate, a streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (HRP), was added to each well to capture the produced TNF-α. The plates were then incubated at room temperature for 30 h with continuous shaking. Extensive washing was carried again and 100 µL of TMP (tetramethylbenzidine; a chromogen solution) was added to each well and incubated for additional 15 min under unchanged conditions of shaking and temperature. The added TMP allowed for a colorimetric reaction to take place where the color intensity is proportional to the TNF-α produced. Stop solution (200 µL) was added to the plates then the absorbance readings at 450 nm for each well were measured using a microplate reader. The concentration of the produced TNF-α could be measured from the standard curve.

Detection of IL-6 and IL-10 by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) was used to detect the levels of the produced IL-6 and IL-10 in a method similar to that utilized by De Groote.³⁸ Assay buffer was added in volumes of 100 µL to each well of a microwell plate. Dilutions of the kit standard were added serially to each plate. After that, 100 µL of the tested formulations as well as the blanks was added to the wells. The produced interleukins were captured using streptavidin-HRP enzyme linked to biotin (specific detector for IL-6 and IL-10). Incubation of the microwell plate was carried out for 1 h at a temperature of 20–23°C. After incubation, wells were washed to remove unbound substrates then TMB solution was added to each well to produce color with the bound biotinylated streptavidin-HRP. The intensity of the color produced, measured by the microplate reader at 450 nm wavelength, is proportional to the concentration of IL-6 and IL-10 present in the sample. Unknown concentrations of interleukins could be easily figured out from the standard curve.

Lung Pharmacokinetic Studies

Study Design

Seventy-two male Albino rats, weighing 220–260 g, were used for our study. The rats were housed in a pathogen-free animal house and had free access to food and water. They were left to get accustomed to the environment for a week prior to the experiment. The study itself followed a simple parallel design in which 24 rats were randomly allocated in three treatment groups (pure drug, SD/P4 and SD/P6 groups). The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt and (PI; 2648) and was in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of the National Institutes of Health (NIH publication No. 85–23, 1996).

Dose Administration

A weight from each of the investigated samples equivalent to 1 mg curcumin³⁹ was administered intratracheally using a 10 mL syringe and an in-house endotracheal hollow stainless-steel tube (120° bend and 5 cm long) like that offered by Penn-Century, Model DP-EXT-R. The tracheal intubation technique was carried out as previously discussed.^40,41 Prior to the intubation, the rats were anesthetized intra-peritoneally using thiopental (50 mg/kg) which was safe and enough to perform the experiment. The 1st group received pre-sterilized curcumin powder (curcumin mixed with HPβCD) as a control. The 2nd and 3rd groups received the improved formulations SD/P4 and SD/P6, respectively. The investigated samples were pre-transferred to the syringe individually. Following, the mouths of the anesthetized rats were opened using a sterile forceps and the passage of the endotracheal tube was monitored using an endoscope equipped with a camera (Warmhoming, China). The endotracheal tube was placed in trachea through mouth, and the total loaded dose in the syringe was administered by just one puff.

Sample Collection

At definite time intervals (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h), 4 rats from each group were sacrificed by thiopental injection overdose. The lungs of the sacrificed animal were removed, weighed and homogenized (Heidolph Instruments, Germany) at 5000 rpm by adding 2 mL saline. The homogenate was stored at −80 ℃ prior to assay.

The whole procedure is presented in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Steps of the surgical procedure of curcumin administration to a male Albino rat. (A) Syringe is prepared then (B) Endotracheal intubation of SD/P formulation (or free curcumin) in the rat. (C) At predefined time intervals, a rat is sacrificed and (D) lung tissue is isolated. (E) Later, prior to analysis, lung tissue is homogenized.

Chromatographic Conditions

The lung tissue samples were analyzed for curcumin content using liquid chromatography (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS) [API 4000, AB Sciex Instruments, Framingham, MA, USA]. The internal standard was torsemide (1 μg/mL). The mobile phase was composed of 55% acetonitrile, 45% water and 0.1% formic acid. Samples were extracted with 4 mL tertiary butyl methyl ether, vortexed then centrifuged, supernatant was assayed. Injection volume was 15 μL and the elution process was isocratic and carried at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The separation was carried on a 5 μm, 4.6 mm x 50 mm Sunfire^® column (Waters corporation, Wilmslow, UK). All samples were assayed by MS/MS operated in multiple reaction monitoring mode and positive polarity at 5200 V, using turbo spray ion source at 500°C probe temperature.

The pharmacokinetic parameters of curcumin like C_max, T_max, AUC_(0–24), AUC_inf and MRT were assessed by non-compartmental pharmacokinetic models using WinNonLin^® version 5.3 software (Pharsight Corporation, Mountain View, CA).

Data Analysis

Statistical analyses were done using SPSS^® software (SPSS Inc., 23.00 IBM Corporation, NY, USA). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significance with P values < 0.05 considered significant. Least significant difference (LSD) correction was applied to detect significance between groups. Measurements were obtained from two different batches as well means and standard deviations were calculated from duplicate results (n=4).

Results and Discussion

Different curcumin-loaded proliposomal formulations were prepared to study the effects of variable factors such as lecithin:cholesterol ratio, effect of SA and PLX 188 addition as well as the amount of carrier (HPβCD) on the characterization parameters. Proliposomes can be prepared without the addition of carrier system;¹¹ however, the obtained powder in this study was found to be sticky and could not be efficiently collected from the nano spray dryer, so a carrier was added. Cyclodextrins, among different carriers, are used for their roles as solubilizing and stabilizing agents through inclusion complex formation.⁴² HPβCD in particular is known to be more effective in enhancing both solubility and stability of curcumin among different cyclodextrins.⁴³ In addition, the anti-angiogenic effect of curcumin is vastly improved in presence of HPβCD.⁴³ This should limit blood, and consequently nutrient, supply to tumor cells leading to their eventual demise. A noticeable finding reported by Dufour et al suggested that HPβCD resulted in increased fine particle fraction (FPF) and reduced pulmonary leakage of budesonide compared to lactose-based formulation.⁴⁴

Characterization of the Prepared Spray-Dried Curcumin-Loaded Proliposomes (SD/P)

Determination of Percentage Yield

The obtained percentage yield values are presented in Table 1. In general, the yield ranged from 52.75 ± 0.03 to 81.87 ± 0.11%. Such values are considered satisfactory as previously stated.³⁶ These results suggested that the used preparation technique, in addition to the processing factors, was reliable for preparing curcumin-loaded SD/P.

Particle Size (PS), Polydispersity Index (PDI) and Zeta Potential (ZP) Assay

PS is considered a crucial factor affecting the fate of the particles after pulmonary administration.⁴⁵ More specifically, formulations with particle size ranging between 100 and 200 nm were proven more effective for lung administration and imposed fewer systemic side effects.⁴⁶ Furthermore, particles smaller than 200 nm can avert detection by alveolar macrophages and thus avoid rapid clearance.⁴⁷ By referring to Table 1, it is evident that formulations SD/P1, SD/P3, SD/P9, SD/P11, SD/P17 and SD/P19 prepared using lower amounts of the carrier (0.5 g) produced significantly (P < 0.05) larger PS values > 600 nm compared to their counterparts prepared using larger amounts of the carrier (1 g). This might be attributed to the increased particle aggregation and hence poor powder flowability with lower carrier amounts,^48,49 highlighting the importance of the added carrier.

By comparing the PS values of the formulations prepared using larger carrier amounts, it could be observed that they ranged between 160 and 365 nm which is well in line with what is acceptable for inhalation nanomedicine.⁵⁰ Regarding lecithin:cholesterol ratio effect, it was evident that a significant (P < 0.05) fall in PS occurred on decreasing lecithin:cholesterol ratio (SD/P2 < SD/P10 < SD/P18). These results indicated the prominent effect of decreasing lecithin concentration over increasing cholesterol concentration on the PS. Increasing cholesterol concentration might lead to an increase in PS.^51,52 Increasing cholesterol incorporated into the lipid bilayer might have interfered with its closed packing which might have led to enhanced aqueous distribution within the vesicle resulting in an increase in PS.⁵³ On the other hand, decreasing lecithin concentration causes a fall in PS which might be attributed to the decreased lipid content.⁵⁴ Since lecithin is the main vesicle forming material while cholesterol is only incorporated into the walls of an already formed vesicle, this might suggest why lecithin effect was more prominent and an overall fall in PS was noticed on decreasing lecithin:cholesterol ratios. Additionally, the inclusion of SA as a positive charge inducer resulted in reduced PS values across different lecithin:cholesterol ratios. Formulations SD/P4, SD/P12 and SD/P20 showed significantly smaller PS values (P < 0.05) than SA-free counterparts, suggestive that the inclusion of a surface charge inducer increased the surface free energy, which induced the formed particles to curve upon itself in order to gain some stability and reduce surface energy. In addition, similarly charged particles tend to move further away from each other due to repulsive forces. This reduced the tendency to aggregate resulting in smaller PS.⁵⁵ Similar results were reported by Pamunuwa et al.⁵⁶ Contrasting findings reported by Carafa et al suggested that the inclusion of charge modifier led to increased PS due to repulsion forces introduced into the lecithin-composed bilayer resulting in enlarged aqueous central compartment and, hence, increased PS.⁵⁷

Regarding the effect of PLX 188 addition, it was obvious that its addition produced larger PS values (P < 0.05) compared to their counterparts lacking its addition through the different lecithin:cholesterol ratios. Furthermore, increasing PLX 188 amount from 6 to 10 mg caused further increase in PS (P < 0.05). This might be brought by the high HLB value of PLX 188 (> 24) which favors settling in the aqueous core causing the increased PS.^51,58 It could be noticed that the PS lowering effect of SA was kept after its addition to PLX 188-based formulations (P < 0.05).

PDI values < 0.5 indicate that samples have a narrow and acceptable particle size distribution.^59,60 This holds true for all formulations prepared where the obtained PDI values ranged between 0.247 ± 0.04 and 0.474 ± 0.04 except the ones with lower amounts of HPβCD (PDI > 0.5) that might be due to increased particle aggregation which in turn might affect the stability of the formed particles.

ZP is a very useful analytical method for the determination of surface charge and hence physical stability of nanoparticles colloidal solution.⁶¹ All the prepared formulations lacking SA showed negative ZP values imposed by the ionized phosphate groups of lecithin.⁵⁶ The obtained ZP values ranged from −25.50 ± 2.26 to −38.90 ± 0.85 mV. On the other hand, the addition of SA imparted a positive charge which was attributed to the protonation of the basic –NH₂ groups⁶² where ZP values ranged from 2.04 ± 0.4 to 39.70 ± 2.12. ZP values lying around ± 30 are favorable, since the prepared particles are considered stable owing to the electric repulsion and hence avoiding possible flocculation and particle aggregation.^63,64

From the results of PS measurements, it could be concluded that formulations prepared using lecithin:cholesterol ratio 1:1 were the best regarding their PS values. Furthermore, formulations prepared using low carrier amounts were excluded from further testing for their larger PS and PDI values.

Drug Content (DC), Drug Loading (DL) and Entrapment Efficiency (EE)

As can be seen from Table 1, the % DC values of the tested SD/P were high and ranged from 85.05 ± 1.91% to 106.63 ± 0.70%.

This indicated the suitability of the formulation factors used for the preparation of proliposomes. Having high DC values indicated the production of potent proliposomes capable of delivering large amounts of drug using small amounts of formulation.

% DL calculation was carried out on all formulations and the results were documented in Table 1. Looking at the results, % DL values increased as lecithin:cholesterol ratio increased across all formulations. However, such increase was found to be statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). In general, DL values ranged from 1.68 ± 0.06 to 2.22 ± 0.83%.

The tested liposomal formulations possessed high % EE values (Table 1) ranging between 90.15 ± 2.19% and 102.20 ± 0.71%. The rationale behind high % EE could be attributed to the fact that curcumin is extremely lipophilic, meaning it is easily entrapped within the membrane of the formed vesicles.

Although formulations based on higher lecithin:cholesterol ratios possessed high % EE values, as a result of enhanced vesicle formation at high lecithin concentrations,⁵⁴ however these formulations were excluded from further studies based on their PS results. Further investigations were carried out on formulations using lecithin:cholesterol ratio of 1:1.

In vitro Release Testing

Curcumin release curves from SD/P (2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) are illustrated in Figure 2. The release profile of all the investigated formulations showed a distinctive biphasic release profile, where nearly more than 17.00% and less than 24.98% curcumin were released during the first 2 h followed by a sustained release pattern during the 48h testing period. No significant difference could be detected between Q2h values of the investigated formulations (P > 0.05). The burst phase might be explained by the release of curcumin trapped near the surface layers of the vesicles giving imminent concentrations while curcumin trapped in the deep layers is slowly released by diffusion.⁶⁵ Additionally, approximately 72.86 ± 0.21% of curcumin was released from its hydroalcoholic solution within the first 3 h, indicating the suitability of the used dialysis membrane for the drug and that any sustainment was related to the formulation.

Figure 2 Curcumin release profiles from spray-dried proliposomes formulations (SD/P) in ethanolic phosphate buffer solution (30% v/v; pH 7.4). The release profile of all the investigated formulations showed a distinctive biphasic release profile, where nearly more than 17.00% and less than 24.98% curcumin were released during the first 2 h followed by a sustained release pattern during the 48h testing period. All formulations released more than 95% curcumin at Q24h. No significant difference could be detected between investigated formulations in either Q2h or Q24h (P > 0.05).

By comparing the Q24h values, it could be observed that all the investigated formulations released more than 95% curcumin. The complete release of curcumin might be attributed to the inclusion of curcumin by HPβCD which provided protection against decomposition by external factors and improved solubility.⁶⁶ In general, HPβCD contains several hydroxyl groups at the surface imparting strong hydrophilicity while the core is strongly hydrophobic due to the shielding effect of the CH groups.⁶⁶ Hydrophobic compounds, such as curcumin, are complexed in the hydrophobic core through Vander Waals, hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions.^67,68 Additionally, all formulations possessed high % RE values ranging from 79.67 ± 7.86 to 89.87 ± 0.39%.

From the obtained results, it is observed that no significant difference could be detected between all the tested formulations.

Preparation and Characterization of the Improved Spray-Dried Curcumin-Loaded Proliposomes (SD/P)

Based on the smallest PS values, formulations SD/P4 and SD/P6 were selected for further modifications. They were selected to study the effect of doubling the amount of carrier to 2 g and study its influence on the aerodynamic particle size aiming to prepare a formulation with improved pulmonary delivery.

The selected formulations (SD/P4 and SD/P6) were characterized after doubling HPβCD amounts (to 2 g) while maintaining similar amounts of other components. The composition as well as characterization results of the improved formulations (improved SD/P4 and SD/P6) are displayed in Table 1. % Yield values for the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6 were comparable to their corresponding old ones. Increasing carrier amount led to significant PS reduction (P < 0.05) similar to the results obtained before, where the obtained were 126.40 ± 3.25 and 150.65 ± 4.31 for the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6 versus 145.7 ± 3.39 and 164.15 ± 6.86 for the older SD/P4 and SD/P6, respectively. Again, this might be attributed to the improved flowability and further reduced particle aggregation.^48,49 PDI values remained below 0.5 while ZP values of 31.90 ± 1.697 and 31.20 ± 3.11 mV for the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6, respectively, ensured physical stability of the proliposomes similar to their old counterparts. % EE values were comparable with old formulations. % DL of the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6 was significantly lowered compared to the old SD/P4 and SD/P6. This was expected due to the decreased ratio of drug: total solid weight. No significant difference was found (P < 0.05) when the Q2h and Q24h were compared to their counterparts besides both formulations possessed high %RE values of 86.36 ± 0.27 and 85.50 ± 0.21%, respectively, suggesting that doubling carrier amount did not have any negative effect over release pattern. Release curves for the improved formulations can be seen in Figure 2.

Aerodynamic Particle Size Characterization

Assessment of the aerosolization efficiency allows determining the total emitted dose, the distribution of the drug at each stage as well as the aerodynamic particle size which predicts the fate of the inhaled particles in the lung. The results of the aerodynamic parameters are shown in Table 2. From the table, it could be observed that both the improved formulations SD/P4 & SD/P6 resulted in significantly higher % TED (p < 0.001), FPD (p < 0.001), FPF (p < 0.001) and smaller MMAD (p < 0.01) compared to curcumin powder suggesting much better flow and hence efficient aerosolization and better lung deposition, especially with the improved SD/P4 formulation which showed more significance values (p < 0.05) compared to the improved SD/P6 formulation.

Table 2 The Aerodynamic Characteristics of Curcumin Powder and Improved SD/P Formulations

Furthermore, it was observed that the improved SD/P4 had significantly higher % TED, FPF and FPD and significantly lower MMAD (p < 0.001) than improved SD/P6. The lower MMAD values of the improved SD/P4 (2.10 ± 0.26 µm) might result in much better deep lung deposition at the bronchi or bronchial tubes if used by the patient. The accepted MMAD range was previously reported to be from 1 to 3 µm.⁶⁹ This smaller MMAD of improved SD/P4 compared to improved SD/P6 (3.18 ± 0.29 µm) might guarantee deposition in the alveolar region.⁷⁰ It could be concluded that the use of curcumin-loaded proliposomes aerosol^71,72 might result in better lung deposition over the use of the pure powder suggestive for a future clinical bioequivalence test to consolidate this finding.

By comparing the results of the improved formulations (SD/P4 & SD/P6) to their corresponding non-improved ones, it could be observed that they were significantly (P < 0.05) superior regarding % TED and FPD values. The % TED values for the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6 compared to their corresponding non-improved ones were 98.40 ± 1.49 and 79.96 ± 1.85% versus 28.73 ± 5.45 and 46.70 ± 3.60%, respectively, while the calculated FPD values were 801.04 ± 109.13 and 350.51 ± 99.81 µg versus 229.74 ± 9.71 and 208.57 ± 76.88 µg, correspondingly. The obtained results indicated the importance of adjusting the used carrier amounts. Figure 3 confirms the superiority of the improved SD/P4 over the improved SD/P6, and the two improved formulations over curcumin in both the amounts, trapped within USP throat and pre-separator (Figure 3A) and reaching deeper in lung tissues (Figure 3B). The total amount of the improved SD/P4 trapped within both the pre-separator and USP throat was significantly lower than that of either the improved SD/P6 or the free curcumin (P < 0.05). It is true that both the improved SD/P6 and free curcumin reached until stage 4 in the Andersen cascade impactor, however, the amount of the improved SD/P6 was significantly larger (P < 0.05). Only the improved SD/P4 managed to deposit much deeper in Andersen cascade impactor.

Figure 3 Curcumin amounts trapped (A) within the pre-separator and USP throat and (B) on each stage of the Andersen cascade impactor, respectively. The total amount of the improved SD/P4 trapped within both the pre-separator and USP throat was significantly lower than that of either the improved SD/P6 or the free curcumin (P < 0.05). The total amount of the improved SD/P4 reaching deeper stages of the Andersen cascade impactor was significantly higher than that of the improved SD/P6 (P < 0.05) with much superiority of the improved SD/P6 over free curcumin (P < 0.05).

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

FT-IR spectroscopy is used to indicate possible interactions, if any, between two or more components in a formulation. FT-IR spectra are presented in Figure 4. The FT-IR spectrum of curcumin showed a stretching band at 3514 cm⁻¹ due to phenolic –OH group.⁷³ Other peaks at 1628 cm⁻¹ and 1600 cm⁻¹ are characteristic of C=O and C=C stretching vibrations, respectively. Benzene ring C=C showed characteristic vibrations at 1504 cm^−1.74 In general, the FT-IR spectrum of curcumin is in line with what came in the literature.^73,75 Lecithin FT-IR exhibits bands at 2924 cm⁻¹ and 2854 cm⁻¹ due to asymmetric CH₂ and symmetric CH₂ stretching vibrations, respectively, and scissoring vibrational band at 1465 cm^−1.76 In cholesterol spectrum, a very distinguishable band is observed at 3406 cm⁻¹ attributed to phenolic OH group while overlapping bands in the region 3000–2800 cm⁻¹ are due to symmetric and asymmetric stretching vibrations of CH₃ and CH₂.⁷⁷ The FT-IR spectrum SA exhibited characteristic peaks at 2920 cm⁻¹ (N-H stretching), 2850 cm⁻¹ (C-H stretching) and 1570 cm⁻¹ (NH₂ bending)⁷⁸ while that of PLX 188 is characterized by its principal peak at 2881 cm⁻¹ due to aliphatic C-H stretching.⁷⁹ As for HPβCD, the spectrum exhibited a distinguishable intense broad band at 3417 cm⁻¹ due to -OH stretching vibration from intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, at 2932 cm⁻¹ for CH₂ stretching vibration and at 1049 cm⁻¹ due to C-O-C stretching vibration.^73,75 All of the above peaks were present in the spectra of physical mixtures (PM4 & PM6) and the improved formulations (SD/P4 & SD/P6). In both physical mixtures, curcumin peak was broadened and shifted to slightly lower wavelength (3441 cm⁻¹) suggestive of slight hydrogen bond formation. However, in the spectra of the improved SD/P4 and 6, the complete absence of curcumin peak along with other identifying peaks in the 1700–1500 cm⁻¹ region, along with the shift of HPβCD peaks to lower wavelength (3398 cm⁻¹), might indicate possible formation of inclusion complex,^80,81 possibly through hydrogen bond formation with –OH of curcumin.

Figure 4 FT-IR spectra of (A) curcumin, (B) lecithin, (C) cholesterol, (D) SA, (E) PLX 188, (F) HPβCYD, (G) SD/P4 improved physical mixture, (H) SD/P6 improved physical mixture, (I) improved SD/P4 formulation and (J) improved SD/P6 formulation. The characteristic peak of curcumin completely disappeared in the spectra of the improved SD/P formulations with the shift of HPβCD peak to a lower wavelength (I and J) are suggestive of possible formation of inclusion complex of curcumin in HPβCD.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

The DSC thermograms of the improved formulations (SD/P4 and SD/P6), as well as their individual components and corresponding physical mixtures (PM4 and PM6), are presented in Figure 5. The DSC thermogram of curcumin showed a characteristic sharp endothermic peak at 158.1°C representing its melting behavior and indicative of its crystalline nature which is in line with the literature.⁸² Lecithin displayed a very broad endothermic peak at 330.9°C while cholesterol thermogram showed an endothermic peak at 144.7°C due to their respective melting. Thermogram of SA showed two endothermic peaks, one at 53.5°C possibly due to loss of water of crystallization, the second one at 103.1°C that implies its melting. PLX 188 thermogram displayed a very sharp endothermic peak at 56.7°C indicating its melting. HPβCD possessed two endothermic peaks, one at 70.7°C due to dehydration and the other at 337.2°C due to fusion and decomposition.

Figure 5 DSC thermograms of (a) curcumin, (b) lecithin, (c) cholesterol, (d) SA, (e) PLX 188, (f) HPβCYD, (g) SD/P4 improved physical mixture, (h) SD/P6 improved physical mixture, (i) improved SD/P4 formulation and (j) improved SD/P6 formulation. The characteristic endothermic peak of curcumin completely disappeared in the DSC thermograms of the improved SD/P formulations with the shift of the endothermic peak of HPβCD to a lower temperature coupled with a decrease in its intensity, all of which is suggestive of possible interaction and complexation of curcumin in HPβCD (i and j).

The thermograms of the physical mixtures (PM4 & PM6) of improved formulations showed disappearance of curcumin characteristic peak. Additionally, a marked shift in the melting peaks of HPβCD to lower temperatures at 296.8°C and 294.4°C could be observed with the afore-mentioned physical mixtures, respectively, indicating lower melting point of HPβCD in the physical mixtures. The endothermic peaks due to loss of bound water of HPβCD could be observed at temperatures of 71.4°C and 72.1°C with the afore-mentioned PMs, in respective order. The absence of curcumin characteristic peak in PMs could be attributed to the molecular dispersion of curcumin in its carrier with the formation of solid solution. This resulted in dilution of curcumin in the mixture and diminishing its characteristic peak. This was also reported by Fernández-Romero et al.⁸³ Both the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6 displayed very broad peaks at 280.1°C and 293.6°C, respectively, which were reminiscent of the endothermic peaks of HPβCD, albeit with a shift to lower temperatures and very sharp decrease in intensity. The intensive reduction in dehydration peaks of HPβCD at 64.2°C and 65.1°C might be endorsed to the elimination of water during spray drying. Again, we can notice the absence of curcumin peak, which when considered together with the shift and intensive broadening of HPβCD peak, further indicate the possible formation of inclusion complex.^80,81

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

The TEM micrographs (Figure 6) of the selected, reconstituted improved SD/P4 and SD/P6. Both images showed the formation of spherical liposomes.

Figure 6 TEM images of the improved (A) SD/P4 and (B) SD/P6. Both formulations showed spherical liposomes.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Figure 7 shows the SEM images of the chosen formulations, improved SD/P4 and SD/P6. Overall, the images showed the formation of collapsed, hollow-shaped spherical particles, which might have occurred during sample preparation due to the increased pressure in the apparatus more than that in the particle.⁸⁴

Figure 7 SEM images of the improved (A) SD/P4 and (B) SD/P6. Both formulations showed hollow-shaped spherical particles.

Gamma Sterilization

Both the sterilized improved SD/P4 & SD/P6 did not show any significant difference with the non-sterilized counterparts in PS and % EE (p > 0.05). The PS and EE values for improved SD/P4 before and after sterilization were 420.30 ± 40.16 versus 447.00 ± 34.64 nm and 92.15 ± 0.78 versus 90.70 ± 2.54%, correspondingly. While those for improved SD/P6 were 420.30 ± 40.16 versus 447.00 ± 34.64 nm and 92.15 ± 0.78 versus 90.70 ± 2.54%, respectively.

The obtained release profiles of both formulations were nearly superimposing as indicated by f₂ value of 72.10 and 70.13 for improved SD/P4 and SD/P6, respectively. f₂ values between 51 and 100 signify similar release profiles.³⁵

Cell Line Studies

Cytotoxicity Evaluation Using MTT Test

The growth inhibitory effect of curcumin on lung tumor A549 cells was evaluated. From Figure 8A, it could be noticed that the tested samples inhibited the cell growth significantly (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control. Also, it could be observed that the non-medicated improved formulations SD/P4 and SD/P6 possessed IC₅₀ values 2.2 and 2-fold higher than the corresponding medicated improved formulations (59.36 and 63.33 µg/mL versus 26.48 and 30.97 µg/mL), respectively. Additionally, curcumin showed comparable high IC₅₀ values (63.76 µg/mL) with the non-medicated formulations.

Figure 8 Effect of curcumin powder, medicated improved formulations and non-medicated improved formulations on (A) the growth of A549 tumor cells and (B) the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 as measured in A549 tumor cells. The growth inhibitory effect of the improved formulations was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the free curcumin (A). Also, the improved formulations were significantly more potent (P < 0.05) at lowering the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines as compared to the free curcumin (B).

The growth inhibition produced by the non-medicated improved formulations (SD/P4 and SD/P6) could be attributed to the presence of SA in the phospholipid structure of the proliposomes. SA is thought to enhance the cell apoptosis through the expression of phosphatidylserine on the extracellular surface of most tumor cells.⁸⁵ It was found that the higher the intensity of phosphatidylserine on the surface of tumor cell line, the more improved is the targeting of SA-based liposome to tumor cell. Moreover, SA-based liposomes could induce apoptosis on cancerous cells even without the incorporation of an anticancer drug. This was attributed to the strong affinity between the positively charged SA on the liposomal surface and the negatively charged phosphatidylserine on the cancerous cell surface.⁸⁵ What further consolidate our findings was the fact that A549 tumor cell line belongs to a class of high phosphatidylserine expression rate.⁸⁶

Those findings suggested the efficiency of incorporating curcumin into proliposomes as an anticancer carrier. Possibly the enhanced efficacy was due to the improved cellular uptake of the liposomes as compared to the free drug, which was a sum of the reduced PS, improved targeting nature of liposomes, increased cancer cell affinity due to electrostatic interaction between SA and phosphatidylserine.

Influence of the Tested Formulations on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

The effect of curcumin on the three major inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 is represented in Figure 8B. Since these inflammatory markers are good indicatives of tumor progression besides tumor-induced inflammation,³⁶ it was beneficial to study the possible outcomes of curcumin on their levels as well as to what extent the proposed formulations could alter those levels. Tumor-induced inflammation leads to activation of lung macrophages with subsequent release of numerous chemical cytokines, including TNF-α.^87,88 As a result of ongoing severe inflammatory response, IL-6 and the more potent IL-10 are also released. IL-6 is thought to enhance tumor cell activity⁸⁹ while IL-10 is considered to be a major immunosuppressive pro-tumoral cytokine with enhancing effect on tumor growth.⁹⁰ In conclusion, tissue damage as a result of severe inflammation occurs and possible DNA mutations take place which further helps with the progress of cancer. Hence, any positive lowering effect on such inflammatory cytokines is favorable to limit the progression of cancer. As shown in the figure, the examined samples lowered the levels of the three inflammatory cytokines significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the control. Additionally, the improved SD/P6 and SD/P4 were found to significantly lower (P < 0.05) the levels of all the three inflammatory cytokines, as compared to free curcumin or non-medicated formulations. A notable finding was that the presence of PLX 188 in the improved SD/P6 led to a more lowering activity than in improved SD/P4 (lacking PLX 188). It was reported that PLX 188 is a potent inhibitor of P-gp which helps with reduced drug efflux from the cells which prolongs curcumin intracellular activity.⁹¹

Lung Pharmacokinetic Studies

Both improved formulations SD/P4 & SD/P6 with acceptable aerodynamic properties and cytocompatibility were administered by intra-tracheal intubation. The lung pharmacokinetic parameters are summarized in Table 3 and the lung concentration–time curve is presented in Figure 9.

Table 3 Different Lung Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Curcumin Powder and Curcumin Proliposomal Formulations

Figure 9 Lung concentration–time curve for curcumin-free powder and curcumin proliposomal formulations. The improved formulations exhibited shorter Tmax, higher Cmax, AUC(0–24) and AUC(inf) values compared to the free curcumin powder (P < 0.05). This suggests an enhancement in both the rate and extent of the improved formulation uptake by lung tissues as compared to the free curcumin.

From the curve and the pharmacokinetic parameters, it can be noticed that the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6 exhibited shorter T_max, higher (P < 0.05) C_max, AUC_(0–24) and AUC_(inf) values compared to the free drug powder. These findings for the proliposomal formulations suggested a faster absorption rate than that for the free drug powder which might be attributed to the improved lung uptake due to the much smaller MMAD (2.10±0.26 µm and 3.18±0.29 µm for the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6 versus 3.81±1.15 µm for the free drug powder). Also, free curcumin has poor aqueous solubility, low tissue permeability and poor bioavailability. Higher lung residence time values for the improved SD/P4 and SD/P6 were noticed in comparison to the free drug as evident by the significantly higher (p < 0.05) MRT values. It is worth mentioning that C_max and AUC values for the improved SD/P4 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the improved SD/P6. This is in line with the aerodynamic study findings concluding that the improved SD/P4 is more promising as for further future studies.

Conclusion

In this study, spray-dried curcumin-loaded proliposomes were prepared using nano-spray dryer for pulmonary delivery. Lecithin, cholesterol, SA, PLX 188 were used for the fabrication of proliposomes as well as HPβCD which was added as a carrier. The optimized spray-dried formulations showed promising results compared to curcumin powder in different tests. In the aerodynamic particle size analysis with cascade impactor, the much smaller particle size (nano range) with high % FPF, made it feasible to reach deep lung tissues. Cytotoxicity studies were carried and MTT assay showed both, an improved growth inhibitory effect on lung tumor A549 cancer cells and low IC₅₀ values, as compared to curcumin powder and plain formulations. The optimized formulations exerted a positive lowering effect on the main inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10) much higher than that achieved by curcumin powder or plain formulations. Lung pharmacokinetic studies showed that the improved formulations are more extensively and rapidly absorbed as well as more retained in the lung compared to the free curcumin powder and were generally in agreement with findings from aerodynamic studies. In general, the optimized formulations represent promising inhalation alternative for the treatment of cancer patients.