Pulmonary Drug Delivery Using Nanoparticle Systems
Summary
Pulmonary drug delivery using nanoparticle systems exploits the extensive surface area and rich vasculature of the lung to administer therapeutic agents in a non-invasive manner. By engineering particles at the nanoscale, it is possible to achieve targeted deposition in regions of the respiratory tract, controlled release of actives and reduced systemic exposure. Lipid-based carriers, polymeric constructs and magnetic core–shell assemblies illustrate the diversity of platforms under investigation. Challenges include traversing mucus barriers, avoiding rapid clearance by alveolar macrophages and preserving bioactivity during aerosolisation. Advances in surface functionalisation, aerodynamic control and biodegradable materials are driving the translation of nanosystems for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, infections and lung cancer, with the aim of enhancing efficacy while minimising off-target effects.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent studies have demonstrated multifunctional dual-drug core–shell nanoparticles designed for inhalation therapy in lung cancer. These systems comprise a biodegradable polymeric core loaded with chemotherapeutic and radiosensitiser agents, enveloped by a temperature-responsive shell that mediates pH-dependent and biphasic release. Surface conjugation with targeting ligands enhances uptake by tumour cells, while inclusion of magnetic resonance contrast elements permits non-invasive imaging. In vitro tests reveal excellent cytocompatibility with alveolar epithelial cells, and preliminary in vivo models confirm effective tumour reduction and low systemic toxicity. This work exemplifies an integrated approach that combines targeted delivery, controlled release and diagnostic functionality in a single aerosolised nanoparticle.
Pulmonary Drug Delivery Using Nanoparticle Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in pulmonary drug delivery using nanoparticle systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Aerodynamic diameter: The effective diameter that determines particle behaviour during inhalation and deposition within the airways.
Alveolar macrophages: Resident immune cells in the lung responsible for clearing foreign particles and pathogens from the alveolar space.
Mucociliary clearance: The coordinated movement of mucus by cilia lining the airways, acting as a barrier to inhaled particulates.
Polymeric nanoparticle: A biodegradable particle composed of polymers such as PLGA or chitosan, used for controlled drug release.
Liposome: A vesicular carrier consisting of lipid bilayers capable of encapsulating hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs for pulmonary administration.
Nanocarrier: A general term for nanoscale vehicles designed to transport therapeutic agents to specific biological targets.
References
- Nanoparticle-Mediated Pulmonary Drug Delivery: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2014).
- Magnetic core-shell nanoparticles for drug delivery by nebulization. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2013).
- Dual-Drug Containing Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Lung Cancer Therapy. Scientific Reports (2017).
- Poly(lactic acid)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) particulate carriers for pulmonary drug delivery. Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation (2019).
- Development and evaluation of Chitosan nanoparticles based dry powder inhalation formulations of Prothionamide. PLOS ONE (2018).
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