Nanoparticle Formulations and Delivery Strategies for Sustained Drug Release in the Lungs

Abstract

Nanotechnology has recently emerged as a promising tool in biomedicine research. An important branch of nanotechnology is drug delivery and drug targeting using a wide range of biomaterials with promising potential applications in many diseases. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the evolution of nanotechnology in controlled pulmonary drug delivery, exemplified by the myriad of applications in cancer, infectious diseases, asthma and chronic pulmonary disease. Particular attention will be focused on formulation strategies for improving systemic bioavailability of inhaled drugs and macromolecules, formulation strategies for improving local targeting in the lung (airways versus alveoli), formulation strategies for delivering drug and macromolecules, including siRNA and DNA into cells and formulation strategies with improved dose consistency. Recent nanoformulations and the biomaterials that are under investigation for controlled pulmonary drug delivery, including pre-clinical and clinical studies will be included in this chapter.