A Comparison of 28 kHz- and 160kHz-Ultrasonic Aerosolization of Interferon-alpha

ABSTRACT

The efficacy and utility of interferon (IFN) in prophylaxis and treatment of nasal infections have been evaluated in recent investigation. In our basic studies on aerosolization of IFN, we examined the effect of aerosolization on IFN-alpha activity utilizing an ultrasonic inhaler (NE– U05). The effect of ultrasonic treatment (28kHz) on IFN activity was also studied. IFN activity was determined by a conventional cytopathic effect inhibition assay. Although IFN–alpha activity was partially inactivated at a specific frequency of 28kHz, it was not affected by ultrasonic treatment (160kHz) from the ultrasonic inhaler. These results show that the aerosolization of IFN–alpha by the ultrasonic inhaler can be recommended for clinical use without inactivation of IFN–alpha activity.