Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mometasone furoate (MF) is a topical corticosteroid used to reduce allergic and inflammation symptoms. In this study, MF was incorporated into the hydrophobic cavities of γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) to prepare MF@MOF powders for nasal delivery. Methods: MF@MOF particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetry. A transparent biomimetic model of the human nasal cavity was produced by 3D printing and used to evaluate intra-nasal depositions patterns. Results: Drug loading was optimized by incubating MF with a CD-MOF at a ratio of 4% for 1 h at 40 °C, and the cubic morphology and particle size of the nanoparticles were not altered using an incubation method. PXRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the successful loading of MF into the CD-MOF. Using a 3D biomimetic nasal cavity model, a 30° administration angle was found to result in reduced drug accumulation in the nasal vestibule and enhanced deposition in the respiratory and olfactory regions, compared with administration at 45°. Approximately 51% of the drug reached the respiratory zone in the model of the nasal cavity from male subjects, while almost 60% of the drug reached this zone in the model associated with female subjects. Compared with nasal sprays, nasal powder sprays had less deposition in the nasal vestibule and more deposits in the middle and inferior nasal concha. Conclusions: MF@MOF is suitable for intranasal administration. Delivery of MF as a nasal powder shows potential in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.