Study Objectives. To determine the optimal nebulization system for aerosolizing micafungin and to further assess the physiochemical properties of aerosolized micafungin.
Design. In vitro experiment.
Setting. University research center.
Nebulizers. Pari LC Star, Hudson Updraft, Small Volume Nebulizer, and Aeroclipse II.
Measurements and Main Results. Using a commercially available cascade impactor, the four nebulizers were tested for their ability to deliver micafungin to the lungs. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and fine particle fraction (FPF) percent less than 3.3 ?m (FPF3.3) and less than 5.8 ?m (FPF5.8) were determined during two sampling periods for each of three trials of all nebulizers. The mean ± standard error of the mean MMAD for the nebulizers ranged from 1.93 ± 0.09 to 2.49 ± 0.25 ?m; FPF3.3 and FPF5.8 were approximately 50% and 90%, respectively, for all nebulizers.
Conclusion. Although all nebulizers appeared acceptable to deliver micafungin to the lungs, the Pari LC Star had the smallest MMAD and highest FPF3.3 and FPF5.8. These properties of the Pari LC Star should result in greater delivery of the aerosol to the lungs. Additional research on pulmonary delivery and clinical tolerability is warranted.
