Propellant-driven aerosols for delivery of proteins in the respiratory tract.

Metered-dose propellant-driven aerosols of an antigenically reactive protein were produced by combining bovine gammaglobulin (BGG) with one of several surfactants soluble in Freon or dimethylether propellants. Small-particle protein aerosols were most effectively produced by lyophilizing surfactants and proteins prior to the addition of propellants. Up to 26% of the total aerosolized protein was of respirable size. Aerosol metering valves delivering small volumes were most effective in producing respirable-sized (< or = 4 micron median mass aerodynamic diameter) protein aerosols. Proteins were suspended in liquified propellants as both propellant-soluble molecules and visible sedimenting clusters which both contributed to making respirable-sized protein aerosol particles. Electron microscopy showed that respirable-sized protein particles were composed of variable-sized chain aggregates of spherical subunits. Proteins were antigenic after suspension in liquified propellant and release as aerosols, but antigenicity diminished with extended propellant exposure. Local immunity in the respiratory tract is a key factor in resistance to respiratory infections. Metered-dose propellant-driven aerosols offer a potentially attractive method for delivering small-particle aerosols of immunizing antigens or other therapeutic proteins to the respiratory tract.