Development of inhalation powders containing lactic acid bacteria with antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Stefania Glieca, Eride Quarta, Benedetta Bottari, Elena Bancalari, Saverio Monica, Erika Scaltriti, Martina Tambassi, Lisa Flammini, Simona Bertoni, Annalisa Bianchera, Valentina Fainardi, Susanna Esposito, Giovanna Pisi, Ruggero Bettini, Fabio Sonvico, Francesca Buttini
Abstract
The aim of the project was the development and characterization of powders containing a probiotic (Lpb. plantarum, Lcb. rhamnosus or L. acidophilus) to be administered to the lung for the containment of pathogens growth in patients with cystic fibrosis. The optimized spray drying process for the powder manufacturing was able to preserve viability of the bacteria which decreased of only one Log unit and it was maintained up to 30 days. Probiotic powders showed a high respirability (42-50% of particles had a size <5 µm) suitable for lung deposition and were proven safe on A549 and Calu-3 cells up to a concentration of 107 CFU/mL. The Lpb. plantarum adhesion to both cell lines tested was at least 10%. Surprisingly, Lpb. plantarum powder was bactericidal at a concentration of 106 CFU/mL on P. aeruginosa while the other two strains were bacteriostatic. The work represents a promising starting point to consider a probiotic inhalation powder a value in keeping the growth of pathogenic microflora in check during the antibiotic inhalation therapy suspension in cystic fibrosis treatment regimen. This approach could also be advantageous for interfering competitively with pathogenic bacteria and promoting the restoration of the healthy microbiota.