Pharmaceutics - Research

Respiratory delivery of drugs

The respiratory tract provides a good environment for the delivery of low dose, potent drugs for local or systemic action. Currently available systems for the delivery of drugs to the respiratory tract from powder mixtures are known to be inefficient due to formulation and delivery device limitations.

Our research has focussed on understanding the dispersion mechanisms of micronised particles during their delivery from dry powder inhalers. In particular, the research addresses the role of excipients like lactose in the dispersion process with of the aim of optimising drug delivery through manipulation of its surface properties. The research utilises a number of surface analysis technologies such as atomic force, scanning electron and confocal microscopy, and particle sizing methodologies to study the processes of entrainment and dispersion, and to identify the particulate characteristics that influence dispersion efficiency.

The research is performed in collaboration with a number of key institutions in Australia and Europe. A better understanding of drug-excipient interactions will lead to the development of more efficient formulations to deliver drugs in the future.

Specific research projects include:

• Formulation of powders for inhalation
• Lactose-bases carrier mixtures for inhalation
• Particle interactions by Atomic Force Microscopy