A Naresuan University team developed spray-dried andrographolide microparticles using an aqueous chitosan-cellulose-poloxamer carrier. The selected particles were 3-5 micrometres, released 89.23% in four hours and reduced Influenza A/H1N1 titre by 3.3 log10 in laboratory testing. Safety and efficacy after inhalation in animals or people remain untested.
Key findings
- The selected formulation contained 0.6% andrographolide, 62.2% chitosan, 15.5% HEC and 21.7% Poloxamer 188, dried at 15 cP, 1.1 bar and 3 mL/min. It yielded 3-5 micrometre particles, 54.47% encapsulation, release of 22.31%/h and 89.23% by four hours, stability at 28 ± 2°C/50% RH, and a 3.3-log10 or 99.95% viral-titre reduction.
Why this matters globally
If preclinical studies succeed, the formulation could become an aqueous platform for local respiratory delivery of natural compounds using an industrially familiar particle-engineering process.
Thai researcher contribution
Mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical technology and chemistry-innovation teams at Naresuan University jointly developed the spray-drying process, polymer carrier, stability assessment and biological testing.
Limitations to consider
Viral reduction was laboratory-based; the abstract does not detail the cell model, comparator drug or respiratory toxicity. Aerosol performance, lung deposition, irritation, dose, animal efficacy and human outcomes are absent, and 54.47% encapsulation leaves room for optimisation.