Chitosan nanoparticles are compatible with respiratory epithelial cells in vitro.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the biocompatibility of novel respirable powder formulations of nanoparticles (NP) entrapped in mannitol microspheres using human respiratory epithelial cell lines. Microspheres formulated at NP:mannitol ratios of 10:90, 20:80 and 40:60 were evaluated using the Calu-3 and A549 cell lines. The MTT cell viability assay revealed an absence of overt toxicity to Calu-3 or A549 cells following exposure to the formulations containing <1.

Measles vaccination of macaques by dry powder inhalation.

Measles vaccination via the aerosol route has proven effective under field conditions, using vaccine reconstituted prior to nebulization. Inhalation of a dry powder aerosol vaccine would have additional benefits, including easier logistics of administration, reduced cold chain dependence and the potential of single dose administration. We have evaluated two candidate dry powder measles vaccine formulations in macaques.

Culture of Calu-3 cells at the air interface provides a representative model of the airway epithelial barrier.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of liquid-covered culture (LCC) and air-interfaced culture (AIC) on Calu-3 cell layer morphology and permeability, thus assessing the fitness of these culture systems as models of airway epithelium barrier function.

Methods: Cell layers were grown on 0.33 cm2 Transwell polyester cell culture supports.