Overcoming the Low-Stability Bottleneck in the Clinical Translation of Liposomal Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers: A Shell Stabilization Strategy Inspired by Biomineralization

Abstract

Currently, several types of inhalable liposomes have been developed. Among them, liposomal pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) have gained much attention due to their cost-effectiveness, patient compliance, and accurate dosages. However, the clinical application of liposomal pMDIs has been hindered by the low stability, i.e., the tendency of the aggregation of the liposome lipid bilayer in hydrophobic propellant medium and brittleness under high mechanical forces. Biomineralization is an evolutionary mechanism that organisms use to resist harsh external environments in nature, providing mechanical support and protection effects. Inspired by such a concept, this paper proposes a shell stabilization strategy (SSS) to solve the problem of the low stability of liposomal pMDIs. Depending on the shell material used, the SSS can be classified into biomineralization (biomineralized using calcium, silicon, manganese, titanium, gadolinium, etc.) biomineralization-like (composite with protein), and layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly (multiple shells structured with diverse materials). This work evaluated the potential of this strategy by reviewing studies on the formation of shells deposited on liposomes or similar structures. It also covered useful synthesis strategies and active molecules/functional groups for modification. We aimed to put forward new insights to promote the stability of liposomal pMDIs and shed some light on the clinical translation of relevant products.