Agglomerates of ciprofloxacin nanoparticles yield fine dry powder aerosols

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic disorder that is typified by dysregulated production of sweat, digestive fluids, and mucus. People with CF have shortened life expectancy, which may be a result of an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infection. Aerosol delivery of antibiotics directly to the lungs is generating interest as a means to treat lung infections. This type of topical delivery offers many potential advantages including high local concentration, reduced whole body burden of antibiotics, and longer drug persistence in the lung. In this study, nanoparticles of the potent antibiotic ciprofloxacin were controllably assembled in suspension to form low-density agglomerates. The dissolution rate of nanoparticle agglomerates was considerably faster than micronized powder as received. Moreover, nanoparticle agglomerates possessed improved aerodynamic properties which may facilitate access to the lung periphery where persistent bacterial infections often reside. Nanoparticle agglomeration approach may enable the efficient delivery of high doses of antibiotic aerosols as a treatment option for CF patients with lung infections.