Nailufa Y^{1, 6}, Rosita N^2,3,4,5, Hariyadi D M^2,3,4,5

Abstract

This review examines the use of microparticles or microspheres for targeted lung therapy, utilizing natural polymers as inhalable microsphere polymers. Polysaccharides are safe, biodegradable, biocompatible, bioadhesive, and capable of forming hydrogel systems, making them strong candidates for use in drug delivery systems. The use of microparticles is expected to enhance the efficiency of lung-targeted therapy, as it can reduce drug dosage, provide a faster onset, decrease systemic side effects, bypass the gastrointestinal tract, and improve direct drug delivery to the infected organ area in the lung. This article discusses the physical characteristics of microspheres from polysaccharide polymers derived from different materials. Optimal inhalation microspheres are spherical particles, with sizes ranging from 1 – 5 μm, moisture content <10 %, good flowability, high yield, high encapsulation efficiency, high loading capacity, sustained release, large lung deposition, high potential for macrophage uptake and biological activity. Konjac glucomannan contains a mannan group that stimulates the interaction of mannan receptors, which are commonly found on the surface of macrophages, making it a suitable polymer for targeted inhalation microspheres aimed at alveolar macrophages. However, konjac glucomannan has a relatively high molecular weight and viscosity, even at low concentrations. Therefore, it must be depolymerized first to reduce both molecular weight and viscosity, so that they can produce particle sizes appropriate for inhalation microspheres. The hydrolytic method of konjac glucomannan can be carried out through physicochemical degradation methods, such as irradiation, sonication, acid treatment, or combination of two or more methods. Enzymatic hydrolysis can also be performed using β-mannase enzymes from Aspergillus niger or Penicilium funiculosum.