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Zhang J, Khanal D, Chan HK, Banaszak Holl MM. Nanoscale colocalized thermal and chemical mapping of pharmaceutical powder aerosols. Int J Pharm 2024; 656:124116. [PMID: 38615803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Inhalation of pharmaceutical aerosol formulations is widely used to treat respiratory diseases. Spatially resolved thermal characterization offers promise for better understanding drug release rates from particles; however, this has been an analytical challenge due to the small particle size (from a few micrometers down to nanometers) and the complex composition of the formulations. Here, we employ nano-thermal analysis (nanoTA) to probe the nanothermal domain of a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation containing a mixture of fluticasone propionate (FP), salmeterol xinafoate (SX), and excipient lactose, which is widely used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, atomic force microscopy-infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) and AFM force measurements are performed to provide nanochemical and nanomechanical information to complement the nanothermal data. The colocalized thermal and chemical mapping clearly reveals the surface heterogeneity of the drugs in the aerosol particles and demonstrates the contribution of the surface chemical composition to the variation in the thermal properties of the particles. We present a powerful analytical approach for in-depth characterization of thermal/chemical/morphological properties of dry powder inhaler particles at micro- and nanometer scales. This approach can be used to facilitate the comparison between generics and reference inhalation products and further the development of high-performance pharmaceutical formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Dipesh Khanal
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Mark M Banaszak Holl
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA; Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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2
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Ke WR, Chang RYK, Chan HK. Engineering the right formulation for enhanced drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114561. [PMID: 36191861 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) can be used with a wide range of drugs such as small molecules and biologics and offer several advantages for inhaled therapy. Early DPI products were intended to treat asthma and lung chronic inflammatory disease by administering low-dose, high-potency drugs blended with lactose carrier particles. The use of lactose blends is still the most common approach to aid powder flowability and dose metering in DPI products. However, this conventional approach may not meet the high demand for formulation physical stability, aerosolisation performance, and bioavailability. To overcome these issues, innovative techniques coupled with modification of the traditional methods have been explored to engineer particles for enhanced drug delivery. Different particle engineering techniques have been utilised depending on the types of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (e.g., small molecules, peptides, proteins, cells) and the inhaled dose. This review discusses the challenges of formulating DPI formulations of low-dose and high-dose small molecule drugs, and biologics, followed by recent and emerging particle engineering strategies utilised in developing the right inhalable powder formulations for enhanced drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ren Ke
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Rachel Yoon Kyung Chang
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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3
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Mahar R, Chakraborty A, Nainwal N. The influence of carrier type, physical characteristics, and blending techniques on the performance of dry powder inhalers. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hebbink GA, Jaspers M, Peters HJW, Dickhoff BHJ. Recent developments in lactose blend formulations for carrier-based dry powder inhalation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 189:114527. [PMID: 36070848 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Lactose is the most commonly used excipient in carrier-based dry powder inhalation (DPI) formulations. Numerous inhalation therapies have been developed using lactose as a carrier material. Several theories have described the role of carriers in DPI formulations. Although these theories are valuable, each DPI formulation is unique and are not described by any single theory. For each new formulation, a specific development trajectory is required, and the versatility of lactose can be exploited to optimize each formulation. In this review, recent developments in lactose-based DPI formulations are discussed. The effects of varying the material properties of lactose carrier particles, such as particle size, shape, and morphology are reviewed. Owing to the complex interactions between the particles in a formulation, processing adhesive mixtures of lactose with the active ingredient is crucial. Therefore, blending and filling processes for DPI formulations are also reviewed. While the role of ternary agents, such as magnesium stearate, has increased, lactose remains the excipient of choice in carrier-based DPI formulations. Therefore, new developments in lactose-based DPI formulations are crucial in the optimization of inhalable medicine performance.
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Albariqi AH, Ke WR, Khanal D, Kalfas S, Tang P, Britton WJ, Drago J, Chan HK. Preparation and Characterization of Inhalable Ivermectin Powders as a Potential COVID-19 Therapy. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2022; 35:239-251. [PMID: 35275749 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2021.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ivermectin has received worldwide attention as a potential COVID-19 treatment after showing antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. However, the pharmacokinetic limitations associated with oral administration have been postulated as limiting factors to its bioavailability and efficacy. These limitations can be overcome by targeted delivery to the lungs. In this study, inhalable dry powders of ivermectin and lactose crystals were prepared and characterized for the potential treatment of COVID-19. Methods: Ivermectin was co-spray dried with lactose monohydrate crystals and conditioned by storage at two different relative humidity points (43% and 58% RH) for a week. The in vitro dispersion performance of the stored powders was examined using a medium-high resistance Osmohaler connecting to a next-generation impactor at 60 L/min flow rate. The solid-state characteristics including particle size distribution and morphology, crystallinity, and moisture sorption profiles of raw and spray-dried ivermectin samples were assessed by laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic vapor sorption. Results: All the freshly spray-dried formulation (T0) and the conditioned samples could achieve the anticipated therapeutic dose with fine particle dose of 300 μg, FPFrecovered of 70%, and FPFemitted of 83%. In addition, the formulations showed a similar volume median diameter of 4.3 μm and span of 1.9. The spray-dried formulations were stable even after conditioning and exposing to different RH points as ivermectin remained amorphous with predominantly crystalline lactose. Conclusion: An inhalable and stable dry powder of ivermectin and lactose crystals was successfully formulated. This powder inhaler ivermectin candidate therapy appears to be able to deliver doses that could be safe and effective to treat the SARS-COV-2 infection. Further development of this therapy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H Albariqi
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wei-Ren Ke
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Collage of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dipesh Khanal
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stefanie Kalfas
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patricia Tang
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Warwick J Britton
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
| | - John Drago
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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6
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A critical review on granulation of pharmaceuticals and excipients: Principle, analysis and typical applications. POWDER TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Chutipongtanate S, Morrow AL, Newburg DS. Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Potential Applications in COVID-19. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020346. [PMID: 35203555 PMCID: PMC8961778 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global health crisis with more than four million deaths worldwide. A substantial number of COVID-19 survivors continue suffering from long-COVID syndrome, a long-term complication exhibiting chronic inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Much effort is being expended to improve therapeutic outcomes. Human milk oligosaccharides (hMOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates known to exert health benefits in breastfed infants by preventing infection, maintaining immune homeostasis and nurturing healthy gut microbiota. These beneficial effects suggest the hypothesis that hMOS might have applications in COVID-19 as receptor decoys, immunomodulators, mucosal signaling agents, and prebiotics. This review summarizes hMOS biogenesis and classification, describes the possible mechanisms of action of hMOS upon different phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and discusses the challenges and opportunities of hMOS research for clinical applications in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Ardythe L. Morrow
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children′s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - David S. Newburg
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Correspondence: or
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Khanal D, Ke WR, Chan HK. Raman spectroscopic evaluation of crystallinity, chemical composition and stability of pharmaceutical powder aerosols. Int J Pharm 2022; 611:121341. [PMID: 34864122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy was used to evaluate the effects of temperature and humidity on the physicochemical stability of inhalable spray-dried (SD) powders containing budesonide (BUD) and crystalline or amorphous lactose. Powders prepared by spray drying of BUD-lactose solution or suspension containing lactose crystals in BUD solution were stored for 0, 1 and 7 days at 25 °C/60 RH or 40 °C/75 RH. Bulk powders along with the large and small particle size fractions collected on stages 2 and 5, respectively, of the Next Generation Impactor (NGI) were chemically characterised. SD powder from solution contained BUD and lactose in amorphous form and both components were homogeneously distributed in bulk and in the particles collected from the two NGI stages. In contrast, SD powder from suspension showed heterogeneous distribution of lactose and drug in the particles containing crystalline lactose. After 1 day of storage at either condition, recrystallisation and changes in the chemical composition of the particles for the SD powder from solution occurred. The number of drug-only particles increased by 70 on stage 5, whereas most particles on stage 2 still contained both drug and lactose. These changes were not observed in the SD powder from suspension after storage, confirming superior stability of the SD powder obtained from suspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipesh Khanal
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Pharmacy and Bank Building A15, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wei-Ren Ke
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Pharmacy and Bank Building A15, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Pharmacy and Bank Building A15, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Bailly C, Thuru X, Quesnel B. Modulation of the Gal-9/TIM-3 Immune Checkpoint with α-Lactose. Does Anomery of Lactose Matter? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246365. [PMID: 34944985 PMCID: PMC8699133 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The disaccharide lactose is a common excipient in pharmaceutical products. In addition, the two anomers α- and β-lactose can exert immuno-modulatory effects. α-Lactose functions as a major regulator of the T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3)/Galectin-9 (Gal-9) immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of TIM-3 with monoclonal antibodies or small molecules represents a promising approach to combat onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia. Alternatively, the activity of the checkpoint can be modulated via targeting of Gal-9 with both α- and β-lactose. In fact, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. This review discusses the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. The immuno-regulatory roles of lactose and Gal-9 are highlighted. Abstract The disaccharide lactose is an excipient commonly used in pharmaceutical products. The two anomers, α- and β-lactose (α-L/β-L), differ by the orientation of the C-1 hydroxyl group on the glucose unit. In aqueous solution, a mutarotation process leads to an equilibrium of about 40% α-L and 60% β-L at room temperature. Beyond a pharmaceutical excipient in solid products, α-L has immuno-modulatory effects and functions as a major regulator of TIM-3/Gal-9 immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of the co-inhibitory checkpoint TIM-3 expressed on T cells with anti-TIM-3 antibodies represents a promising approach to combat different onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. In parallel, the discovery and development of anti-TIM-3 small molecule ligands is emerging, including peptides, RNA aptamers and a few specifically designed heterocyclic molecules. An alternative option consists of targeting the different ligands of TIM-3, notably Gal-9 recognized by α-lactose. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint can be achieved with both α- and β-lactose. Moreover, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. The present review provides a complete analysis of the pharmaceutical and galectin-related biological functions of (α/β)-lactose. A focus is made on the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate both the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint is a promising approach for the treatment of cancers and the role of lactose in this context is discussed. The review highlights the immuno-regulatory functions of lactose, and the benefit of the molecule well beyond its use as a pharmaceutical excipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, 59290 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Xavier Thuru
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020—UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (B.Q.)
| | - Bruno Quesnel
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020—UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (B.Q.)
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Ke WR, Kwok PCL, Khanal D, Chang RYK, Chan HK. Co-spray dried hydrophobic drug formulations with crystalline lactose for inhalation aerosol delivery. Int J Pharm 2021; 602:120608. [PMID: 33862136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spray drying is a rapid method for converting a liquid feed into dried particles for inhalation aerosols. Lactose is a major inhalation excipient used in spray-dried (SD) formulations. However, SD powders produced from solutions are usually amorphous hence unstable to moisture. This problem can potentially be minimized by spray drying a suspension (instead of solution) containing crystalline lactose particles and dissolved drugs. In the present study, the suspension formulation containing dissolved budesonide (BUD) or rifampicin (RIF) and suspended lactose crystals in isopropanol alcohol (IPA) were produced. For comparison, powders were also produced from solution formulations containing the same proportions of drug and lactose dissolved in 50:50 IPA/water as controls. These SD powders were stored at 25 °C/60% RH and 40 °C/75% RH for six months. The particulate properties and in vitro dispersion performance were examined at various storage time points. All powders obtained from spray drying of solutions recrystallized after one week of storage at 25 °C/60% RH. In contrast, SD BUD-lactose obtained from suspension did not change until after three-months of storage when the particle size increased gradually with morphology change and yet the crystallinity remained the same as determined by X-ray powder diffraction. For the SD RIF-lactose obtained from suspension, both particulate properties and in vitro powder dispersion performance showed no significant difference before and after storage at both storage conditions. To conclude, this is the first study to show that SD powder formulations obtained from suspensions containing lactose crystals demonstrated superior storage stability performance, which is desirable for inhaled powders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ren Ke
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip Chi Lip Kwok
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dipesh Khanal
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachel Yoon Kyung Chang
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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