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PubMedDate not supplied

The ultrastructure of the lens capsule abnormalities in Alport's syndrome.

The ultrastructure of lens capsule abnormalities in Alport's syndrome is reported. An anterior lens capsule from a 29-year-old patient with lenticonus who was affected by Alport's syndrome was obtained at the time of surgery. The histopathologic findings showed the thickness of the anterior lens capsule was decreased and there were many vertical capsular dehiscences localized at the inner part of the lens capsule. Almost every dehiscence was limited to the inner two thirds of the capsule. One should be cautious in attempting intraocular lens implantation into the lens capsule of patients with Alport's syndrome, because the lens capsule may be fragile in this disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Effect on bioavailability of admixing the contents of lansoprazole capsules with selected soft foods.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the bioavailability of lansoprazole when administered as an intact capsule and when the contents are admixed with various soft foods. BACKGROUND: Patients sometimes cannot swallow or have difficulty swallowing intact capsules such as lansoprazole. To enable them to ingest the drug, the contents of the capsule can be admixed with small amounts of soft foods. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy adult volunteers participated in this single-dose, 4-period crossover study by ingesting the contents of a 30-mg lansoprazole capsule that had been emptied into either a tablespoon of yogurt (regimen A), Ensure pudding (regimen B), or cottage cheese (regimen C), or given as an intact capsule (regimen D) during the first study period. The regimen assignments were rotated at weekly intervals so that each subject received each regimen. Blood samples were obtained over the 12-hour period after administration of each regimen, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. RESULTS: Of the 23 subjects who completed all 4 periods of the study, 18 were male and 5 were female. Their mean (+/- SD) age was 33.3+/-11.6 years, and their ages ranged from 19 to 52 years. No statistically significant differences between regimens were detected in mean maximum concentration, area under the curve (AUC) from time zero to the last measurable concentration, and AUC from time zero to infinity (AUC0-infinity) using analysis of variance. A statistically significant difference was detected in the time to maximum concentration between regimens C and D at 2.1 and 1.5 hours, respectively (P < or = 0.05). Bioavailability was assessed by the two 1-sided tests procedure using a 90% CI for the AUC0-infinity ratio of test-to-reference regimens. The 90% CIs were all within an acceptable equivalence range of 0.80 to 1.25. CONCLUSION: These results indicate similar bioavailabilities between the regimen in which the lansoprazole capsule was emptied and administration of the intact capsule. However, they may have limitations in predicting the results in ill, elderly, or very young patients.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

PubMed2002

When may the posterior capsule be preserved in pediatric intraocular lens surgery?

PURPOSE: To refine indications for primary posterior capsulotomy (PPC) in conjunction with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation for cataract in childhood. DESIGN: Noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients 1 to 13 years old who underwent cataract extraction with intent to preserve the posterior lens capsule and PCIOL implantation between January 1992 and December 1998 at a pediatric hospital. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to determine the frequency and timing of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after PCIOL surgery with preservation of an intact posterior capsule. Comparison of pseudophakic PCO rates for groups defined by age and several possible risk factors. Assessment of safety and efficacy for PPC with anterior vitrectomy performed through a limbal incision in cases where the posterior capsule could not be preserved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Need for neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser capsulotomy or surgical membranectomy to treat PCO. RESULTS: PCO occurred in 40% of 30 eyes with intact posterior capsule. Mean follow-up duration was 22 months for eyes that had PCO develop and 24 months for those in which the posterior capsule remained clear. Laser capsulotomy was required for 64% of 14 eyes in the 1- to 6-year-old age range but for only 19% of 16 in the 6- to 13-year-old range (P < 0.05). Mean time from surgery to PCO was 7 months for the younger group and 13 months for the older group. A need for repeated capsulotomy (one eye) or membranectomy with anterior vitrectomy (two eyes) was found only in the younger age group. There was no association of PCO with trauma history, cataract type, residual lens cortex, IOL position, or postoperative fibrin clot. Final vision was possibly compromised as a result of PCO in one eye with amblyopia. None of 24 eyes in which PPC with anterior vitrectomy was performed out of intraoperative necessity before primary PCIOL implantation had secondary opacification develop. No reduction in postoperative vision was attributable to PPC. CONCLUSIONS: PPC seems to be advisable for children less than 6 years old when cataract extraction with PCIOL implantation is performed. Preservation of the posterior capsule remains appropriate for older children with pseudophakia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Modulation of active pharmaceutical material release from a novel 'tablet in capsule system' containing an effervescent blend.

The objective of the present study was to obtain programmed drug delivery from hard gelatin capsules containing a hydrophilic plug (HPMC or guar gum). The significance of factors such as type of plug (powder or tablet), plug thickness and the formulation of fill material on the release pattern of diltiazem HCl, a model drug, was investigated. The body portion of the hard gelatin capsules was cross-linked by the combined effect of formaldehyde and heat treatment. A linear relationship was observed between weight of HPMC K15M and log % drug released at 4 h from the capsules containing the plug in powder form. In order to accelerate the drug release after a lag time of 4 h, addition of an effervescent blend, NaHCO(3) and citric acid, in the capsules was found to be essential. The plugs of HPMC in tablet form, with or without a water soluble adjuvant (NaCl or lactose) were used for obtaining immediate drug release after the lag time. Sodium chloride did not cause significant influence on drug release whereas lactose favourably affected the drug release. The capsules containing HPMC K15M tablet plug (200 mg) and 35 mg effervescent blend in body portion of the capsule met the selection criteria of less than 10% drug release in 4 h and immediate drug release thereafter. It is further shown that the drug release was also dependant on the type of swellable hydrophilic agent (HPMC or guar gum) and molecular weight of HPMC (K15M or 20 cPs). The results reveal that programmed drug delivery can be obtained from hard gelatin capsules by systemic formulation approach.

Capsules↗

PubMed2000

Dye-enhanced cataract surgery. Part 3: posterior capsule staining to learn posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of 2 dyes for staining the posterior capsule to enhance visualization during posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC). SETTING: Center for Research on Ocular Therapeutics and Biodevices, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. METHODS: Indocyanine green 0.5% (ICG) and trypan blue 0.1% were used to stain the posterior capsule for performing PCCC in 8 human eyes obtained postmortem. The eyes were prepared according to the posterior video technique of Miyake-Apple. After CCC and hydrodissection/delineation were performed, the nucleus was carefully delivered by hydroexpression. Cortical cleanup was completed by irrigation/aspiration. The posterior capsule was stained by instilling 1 microdrop of ICG (4 eyes) or trypan blue (4 eyes) in the capsular bag. A PCCC was then performed by 2 independent surgeons (4 eyes/surgeon) not familiar with this technique. Each surgeon also performed PCCC in 2 eyes without the use of dye. RESULTS: Both dyes facilitated the performance of PCCC after staining the otherwise transparent posterior capsule. It was easier to differentiate the stained posterior capsule flap from the underlying transparent anterior hyaloid phase of the vitreous. In addition, optic capture of an intraocular lens, with or without anterior vitrectomy, was easily accomplished because of the enhanced visualization by posterior capsule staining. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior capsule staining can be successfully used to learn and perform the PCCC procedure, combined with optic capture, anterior vitrectomy, or both.

Cadaver↗

PubMed2001

Anterior capsule opacification and lens epithelial outgrowth on the intraocular lens surface after curettage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term difference in lens epithelial cell (LEC) outgrowth on the anterior surface of a hydrogel intraocular lens (IOL) after curettage of the entire or one half of the circumference of the anterior capsule. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Austria. METHODS: Forty eyes with senile cataract only were randomly assigned to Group A, which had curettage of the entire anterior capsule, or Group B, which had curettage of the nasal half of the anterior capsule. Rentsch capsule curettes (Geuder) were used, a straight one for the nasal half and a bent model for the temporal half. One surgeon performed all standardized procedures with a temporal clear corneal incision, phacoemulsification, and in-the-bag implantation of a hydrogel IOL. Two years after surgery, the anterior surface of the IOL was examined by specular microscopy in a double-blinded fashion, and LEC outgrowth was graded semiquantitatively. Anterior capsule opacification (ACO) was also graded semiquantitatively. RESULTS: In Group A, grade 2 ACO was observed in 53% of patients and grade 1 ACO in 47%. Similar results were achieved in Group B (59% and 41%, respectively). Two years after IOL implantation, the typically circumferential monolayer outgrowth of LECs on the hydrogel IOL surface was present in 80% in Group A and 60% in Group B. The ongrowth was less dense in the other IOLs; however, no significant differences between the groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical removal of residual LECs with a Rentsch capsule curette from the entire or from one half of the anterior capsule did not reduce LEC outgrowth 2 years after IOL implantation. Furthermore, the ACO grade was not significantly different. Lens epithelial cell proliferation in the germinative region and consecutive migration might be the cause of this outgrowth.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Polishing methods for the lens capsule: histology and scanning electron microscopy.

Capsule opacification occurs when lens epithelial cells remains on the capsule after extracapsular cataract surgery. The cells divide and form fibers. The best way to prevent opacification is to remove all epithelial cells from the capsule. Our study compared the efficacy of different mechanical polishing methods in eyes in which cataracts were removed by endocapsular phacoemulsification through a miniature capsulorhexis. The capsular bag was polished using one of five techniques: metallic scrapers, silicone scrapers, Rentsch capsule curettes, irrigation/aspiration tip, or ultrasound irrigation/aspiration tip. Then a circular central portion of the anterior capsule was removed and processed for histology and scanning electron microscopy. A control group comprised unpolished central anterior capsules obtained by capsulorhexis before or after endophacoemulsification. The cleanest capsules were obtained by polishing with the ultrasound irrigation/aspiration tip.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Decomposable hollow biopolymer-based capsules.

Decomposable hollow capsules based on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and a low molecular weight organic molecule, a naturally occurring polyamine, spermidine (SP), were formed by applying the layer-by-layer adsorption strategy to colloid particles, viz., assembling DNA/SP multilayers on colloids and subsequently removing the templated core. For comparison, hollow capsules from the higher molecular weight biopolymers, alginate (ALG) and poly(lysine) (PL), were also prepared. The multilayers were first formed on polystyrene spheres, and their growth was followed by microelectrophoresis. The preparation of hollow capsules, derived from multilayer coating melamine formaldehyde core particles and then decomposing the core by acid treatment, was verified by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In contrast to the hollow ALG/PL capsules, the hollow DNA/SP capsules displayed a high sensitivity to salt solutions: Decomposition of the DNA/SP multilayers occurred after exposure to sodium chloride solutions. The hollow capsules prepared are attractive for the encapsulation and release of various substances; for example, the release of encapsulated compounds, such as dyes or drugs, can occur when loaded DNA/SP capsules are exposed to environmental (salt) conditions that decompose them, e.g., in the bloodstream.

Alginates↗

PubMed1998

The effect of cross-linking on the in vivo disintegration of hard gelatin capsules.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if the cross-linking of gelatin affects in vivo capsule disintegration. METHODS: Scintigraphic investigation in nine healthy volunteers to provide for a real time visualisation of capsule disintegration. RESULTS: The moderately stressed capsules failed the USP dissolution specification for acetaminophen capsule when tested in water and conventional SGF but passed with the addition of pepsin. Moderately stressed capsules started to disintegrate at 10 +/- 6 minutes (range 6 to 24 minutes) compared to 8 +/- 2 minutes (range 5 to 11 minutes) for the unstressed capsule. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study clearly demonstrate that with the incisive technique of gamma scintigraphy there are no differences in the in vivo disintegration properties of moderately stressed and unstressed capsules.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed2000

Oral pharmacokinetics of omeprazole and lansoprazole after single and repeated doses as intact capsules or as suspensions in sodium bicarbonate.

BACKGROUND: Omeprazole and lansoprazole can be given in sodium bicarbonate as, respectively, simplified omeprazole suspension and simplified lansoprazole suspension. We previously found the antisecretory effect of omeprazole 20 mg given as simplified omeprazole suspension to be lower than with intact capsules. However, lansoprazole 30 mg as simplified lansoprazole suspension produced an effect similar to that seen with intact capsules. AIM: To evaluate the absorption of both drugs when given orally as capsules or as suspensions in sodium bicarbonate. METHODS: In random order, we gave 5-day courses of omeprazole 20 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg as capsules and as suspensions in sodium bicarbonate to 12 healthy women. Serial blood samples were taken on days 1 and 5 of each course for pharmacokinetic measurements. RESULTS: There was impairment of omeprazole absorption when given as simplified omeprazole suspension. Maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration/time curve were lower with simplified omeprazole suspension than with omeprazole capsules (P=0.034 and 0.013, respectively, on day 5). No differences were found in lansoprazole absorption when simplified lansoprazole suspension was compared with its standard capsule formulation. Relative bioavailability of omeprazole from simplified omeprazole suspension compared to the capsule was 58.4% on day 5. The corresponding value for lansoprazole was 84.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Simplified omeprazole suspension 20 mg does not supply adequate omeprazole for systemic absorption. Lansoprazole absorption from simplified lansoprazole suspension is maintained.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

PubMed1998

Identification of csrR/csrS, a genetic locus that regulates hyaluronic acid capsule synthesis in group A Streptococcus.

The hyaluronic acid capsule of group A Streptococcus (GAS) is an important virulence factor, but little is known about mechanisms that regulate capsule expression. Transposon Tn916 mutagenesis of the poorly encapsulated M-type 3 GAS strain DLS003 produced a transconjugant that exhibited a mucoid colony morphology, reflecting increased hyaluronic acid capsule production. Analysis of chromosomal DNA sequence immediately downstream of the transposon insertion identified two open reading frames, designated csrR and csrS, which exhibited sequence similarity to bacterial two-component regulatory systems. We constructed an in-frame deletion mutation within csrR, which encodes the putative response component. Replacement of the native csrR gene in the DLS003 chromosome with the mutant allele resulted in a sixfold increase in capsule production and a corresponding increase in transcription of the has operon, which contains the essential genes for hyaluronic acid synthesis. Increased capsule production by the csrR mutant strain was associated with enhanced resistance to complement-mediated opsonophagocytic killing in vitro and with a 500-fold increase in virulence in mice. These results establish CsrR as a negative regulator of hyaluronic acid capsule synthesis and suggest that it is part of a two-component regulatory system that influences capsule expression and virulence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

[The joint capsule of the cricoarytenoid joint: biomechanical and clinical aspects].

BACKGROUND: Impaired movement of the cricoarytenoid joint with hoarseness and immobility of the vocal ligament may occur as a consequence of laryngeal trauma and joint disease. Little is known to date about the cricoarytenoid joint capsule and its role in joint pathology. METHODS: The present study analyses the structure of the cricoarytenoid joint capsule by means of histological, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopical methods. Investigations are performed on larynges of 17 male and 16 female. RESULTS: The cricoarytenoid joint was found to be lined by a wide and lax joint capsule consisting of a fibrous and a synovial membrane. The capsule was strengthened posteriorly by the cricoarytenoid ligament. As like the fibrous membrane the cricoarytenoid ligament consisted mainly of collagen types I and III. Moreover the ligament was found to be rich in elastic fibers. Unexpected large and intensively vascularized synovial folds projected into the joint cavity. CONCLUSION: The capsule of the cricoarytenoid joint can be compared with the joint capsules of the limbs despite its structure and its involvement in joint pathology. Based on the laxity of the joint capsule it was concluded that invasive interventions at the respiratory tract with dislocation of the arytenoid cartilage can lead to incarceration of the synovial folds. After a trauma aero-synovitis or formation of hemarthrosis may occur, with subsequent fixation of the arytenoid in an abnormal position.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Temporary intestinal occlusion induced by a "patency capsule" in a patient with Crohn's disease.

A 26-year-old woman was admitted for the investigation of abdominal symptoms related to ileal Crohn's disease. The patient had been diagnosed 3 years previously with systemic sclerosis, and had been experiencing digestive complaints for 6 months. A first computed tomography (CT) scan showed ileal intestinal mucosal alterations, associated with a sclerolipomatosis and suspicion of ileal stenosis. An ileocolonoscopy was then performed and showed ulcers in the terminal ileum with nonspecific inflammatory changes found on biopsies, both suggesting the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. The patient was admitted for M2A capsule endoscopy, in order to clarify the respective roles of systemic sclerosis and Crohn's disease with regard to the symptoms and secondarily to determine the anatomical extent of the Crohn's lesions. A patency capsule was administered, for detection of intestinal stenosis before capsule endoscopy was done. At 30 hours after capsule ingestion, the patient complained of abdominal pain and nausea and experienced intestinal obstruction due to the blockage of the patency capsule in the ileal stenosis. The capsule dissolved after 76 hours and the patient then improved. After a few days, the patient underwent ileocecal resection. Pathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the presence of an ileal stenosis 17 cm in length. In some circumstances a patency capsule may dissolve slowly, leading to transitory intestinal obstruction requiring medical intervention. It should thus be used cautiously under clinical surveillance in patients with Crohn's disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Capsule switching of Neisseria meningitidis.

The different sialic acid (serogroups B, C, Y, and W-135) and nonsialic acid (serogroup A) capsular polysaccharides expressed by Neisseria meningitidis are major virulence factors and are used as epidemiologic markers and vaccine targets. However, the identification of meningococcal isolates with similar genetic markers but expressing different capsular polysaccharides suggests that meningococcal clones can switch the type of capsule they express. We identified, except for capsule, isogenic serogroups B [(alpha2-->8)-linked polysialic acid] and C [(alpha2-->9)-linked polysialic acid] meningococcal isolates from an outbreak of meningococcal disease in the U. S. Pacific Northwest. We used these isolates and prototype serogroup A, B, C, Y, and W-135 strains to define the capsular biosynthetic and transport operons of the major meningococcal serogroups and to show that switching from the B to C capsule in the outbreak strain was the result of allelic exchange of the polysialyltransferase. Capsule switching was probably the result of transformation and horizontal DNA exchange in vivo of a serogroup C capsule biosynthetic operon. These findings indicate that closely related virulent meningococcal clones may not be recognized by traditional serogroup-based surveillance and can escape vaccine-induced or natural protective immunity by capsule switching. Capsule switching may be an important virulence mechanism of meningococci and other encapsulated bacterial pathogens. As vaccine development progresses and broader immunization with capsular polysaccharide conjugate vaccines becomes a reality, the ability to switch capsular types may have important implications for the impact of these vaccines.

Bacterial Capsules↗

PubMed2005

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Bacillus anthracis poly-gamma-D-glutamic acid capsule covalently coupled to a protein carrier using a novel triazine-based conjugation strategy.

The capsular polypeptide of Bacillus anthracis is composed of a unique polyglutamic acid polymer in which D-glutamate monomers are joined by gamma-peptidyl bonds. The capsule is poorly immunogenic, and efforts at exploiting the polymer for vaccine development have focused on increasing its inherent immunogenicity through chemical coupling to immune-stimulating protein carriers. The usual strategy has employed carbodiimide-based condensing reagents for activation of free alpha-carboxyl groups, despite reports that this chemistry may lead to chain scission. We have purified the high molecular mass capsule to >95% homogeneity and have demonstrated that the polymer contains >99% poly-gamma-D-glutamic acid. The predominant structure of the polymer as assessed by circular dichroism and multiangle laser light scattering was unordered at near-neutral pH. We investigated the effects of various activation chemistries, and we demonstrated that carbodiimide treatment under aqueous conditions results in significant cleavage of the gamma-peptidyl bond, whereas scission is significantly reduced in nonaqueous polar solvents, although undesired side chain modification was still observed. An activation chemistry was developed using the triazine-based reagent 4-(4,6-dimethoxy (1,3,5)triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride, which allowed for controlled and reproducible derivatization of alpha-carbonyls. In a two-pot reaction scheme, activated capsule was derivatized with a sulfhydryl-reactive heterobifunctional moiety and was subsequently coupled to thiolated carrier protein. This conjugate elicited very high capsule-specific immune titers in mice. More importantly, mice immunized with conjugated capsule exhibited good protection against lethal challenge from a virulent B. anthracis strain in two models of infection. We also showed, for the first time, that treatment of capsule with carbodiimide significantly reduced recognition by capsule-specific antisera concurrent with the reagent-induced reduction of polymer mass. The data suggested that for vaccine development, maintenance of the high mass of the polymer may be important.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Alginate-polylysine-alginate microcapsules: effect of size reduction on capsule properties.

Alginate-polylysine-alginate capsules containing insulin-producing cells have been used as a bio-artificial pancreas in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In a search for microcapsules with improved diffusion characteristics, a high voltage system was developed that produces 250,000 beads/min with a diameter of 160 microm +/- 3-5%. The diameter of the beads could be varied between 160-700 microm depending on the needle diameter and construction, the voltage, the distance between the electrodes and the flow of alginate solution. Ca-alginate beads with diameters of 200 and 500 microm were produced by the high voltage electrostatic system. The 200 microm beads were sensitive to poly-L-lysine (PLL) exposure and had to be washed in ion-free solution to avoid collapse. The 200 microm beads swelled more than the 500 microm beads in the washing and PLL treatment. Also, the porosity of the capsules changed with size, but capsules impermeable to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) could be made by exchanging PLL with poly-D-lysine (PDL) for the 500 microm beads. The 200 microm beads were impermeable to IgG after PLL exposure. Islets of Langerhans were encapsulated in alginate-PLL-alginate capsules and evaluated by measuring protruding islets and insulin production. Islets in microcapsules made by the high voltage electrostatic system did not function differently from islets in larger microcapsules made by an air jet system. In conclusion, alginate capsules made by a high voltage electrostatic system enable large-scale production of small capsules with a narrow size distribution that can meet the functional properties of larger capsules by small changes in the encapsulation procedure.

Alginates↗

PubMed2006

Evaluation and comparison of physicomechanical characteristics of gelatin and hypromellose capsules.

The aim of this study is evaluation and comparison of physical and mechanical properties of hypromellose and gelatin capsules. For this purpose, the empty and filled capsules of hypromellose and gelatin (size 4) were examined in regard with their physical and mechanical characteristics, employing textural analysis, and disintegration properties in various immersion fluids, utilizing a USP 28 disintegration apparatus. The results demonstrated that owing to their greater water permeability, gelatin capsules disintegrate much faster than hypromellose shells in all tested media. However, hypromellose capsules showed a more uniform pattern of dispersion in the disintegration fluids. As for mechanical properties, at ambient conditions, gelatin capsules appeared to be harder and stronger with less elasticity as compared with hypromellose shells. On the contrary, at an elevated temperature, gelatin capsules demonstrated lower resilience. This study shows that hypromellose capsules have excellent properties and are promising as far as regulatory, manufacturing, religious, and dietary issues are concerned.

Buffers↗

PubMed2002

Process for overcoming drug retention in hard gelatin inhalation capsules.

The quantity and consistency of drug delivery from dry powder inhalation devices that incorporate a pre-measured dose in a hard shell capsule of gelatin or other compatible material can be negatively affected by mold release lubricants used in capsule manufacturing. This paper describes a novel process employing supercritical CO2 for selective extraction of the fraction of lubricant responsible for the observed high and inconsistent drug retention in capsules and the ensuing lack of reproducibility of drug delivery. The process allows for lubricant removal from seemingly inaccessible interior surfaces of assembled capsule shells without altering the structural or chemical properties of the capsules. Diffusion limitations are overcome through repeated pressure increase and decrease to generate significant convective flow of dissolved lubricant out of the capsule. Drug retention is alleviated only if nearly all the retentive fraction of the lubricant is removed. The effect of extraction with supercritical CO2 on the structure of the internal surfaces of the capsules is investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Key performance parameters such as drug and carrier retention and fine particle mass are investigated using simulated inhalation tests. Laboratory and pilot scale extractions yielded similar results.

Administration, Inhalation↗