https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2026.126965
Kristela Shehu a b c, Janina Osti d, Marius Hittinger a d e, Annette Kraegeloh b, Marc Schneider a c
a Department of Pharmacy, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
b INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
c PharmaScienceHub (PSH), Saarbrücken, Germany
d PharmBioTec gGmbH, Schiffweiler, Germany
e Mucosatec GmbH, Schiffweiler, Germany
Treating chronic pulmonary infections, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, requires innovative delivery systems that can bypass biological barriers and tackle bacterial resistance. A recent study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics introduces a sophisticated “Nano-in-Micro” (NiM) dry powder formulation designed to deliver high concentrations of antibiotics directly to the site of infection.
By combining Azithromycin nanocrystals with Menadione (Vitamin K3) as a synergistic adjuvant, researchers have developed a platform that not only ensures deep lung deposition but also enhances the killing of biofilm-resident bacteria. Utilizing Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) models and a dry powder aersolization system from , the study confirms that this dual-action approach maintains high biocompatibility while significantly lowering the dose required for effective treatment.
These findings support the transition toward more efficient, localized therapies for cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases, establishing a reliable foundation for the development of advanced inhalation-based antimicrobial strategies.
