Polymeric nanoparticles in development for treatment of pulmonary infectious diseases

Abstract

Serious lung infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive cystic fibrosis-related bacterial diseases, are increasingly difficult to treat and can be life-threatening. Over the last decades, an array of therapeutics and/or diagnostics have been exploited for management of pulmonary infections, but the advent of drug-resistant bacteria and the adverse conditions experienced upon reaching the lung environment urge the development of more effective delivery vehicles. Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the approach to circumventing these barriers, enabling better management of pulmonary infectious diseases. In particular, polymeric nanoparticle-based therapeutics have emerged as promising candidates, allowing for programmed design of multi-functional nanodevices and, subsequently, improved pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficiency, as compared to conventional routes of delivery. Direct delivery to the lungs of such nanoparticles, loaded with appropriate antimicrobials and equipped with “smart” features to overcome various mucosal and cellular barriers, is a promising approach to localize and concentrate therapeutics at the site of infection while minimizing systemic exposure to the therapeutic agents. The present review focuses on recent progress (2005 to 2015) important for the rational design of nanostructures, particularly polymeric nanoparticles, for the treatment of pulmonary infections with highlights on the influences of size, shape, composition, and surface characteristics of antimicrobial-bearing polymeric nanoparticles on their biodistribution, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicity.

Bamboo leaf-based carbon dots for efficient tumor imaging and therapy

“…To date, the biomedical utilization of nanomaterial has resulted in achievements in detection and the treatment of diseases resulting from tumors, [4][5][6] viruses, [7][8][9] and bacteria. 10,11 Emerging carbon-based nanomaterials are of much research interest owing to toxicity issues in the medical application of nanoparticles. Several carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, 12 nanodiamonds, 13 carbon nanobers, 14 and carbon dots, 15 have recently been introduced and pursued for medical use owing to their green approach, low toxicity, environmental friendliness, and biocompatibility.…”

Developing inhaled protein therapeutics for lung diseases

“…One drawback with the use of carriers is their rapid uptake by alveolar macrophages [ 99 , 100 ]. Phagocytosis of carriers by alveolar macrophages can result in fast clearance and reduced residence time, limiting the therapeutic efficacy of the carrier-associated drug.…”

Antioxidant Nanotherapies for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

“…Inhaling corticosteroids is the most common treatment for asthma. However, adverse effects associated with the frequent steroid administration precipitate the need for alternative therapeutics or novel delivery routes (Vij, 2011;Lim et al, 2016;Wang L. et al, 2019). Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.…”