Targeting COPD with PLGA-Based Nanoparticles: Current Status and Prospects

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is pulmonary emphysema characterized by blockage in the airflow resulting in the long-term breathing problem, hence a major cause of mortality worldwide. Excessive generation of free radicals and the development of chronic inflammation are the major two episodes underlying the pathogenesis of COPD. Currently used drugs targeting these episodes including anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and corticosteroids are unsafe, require high doses, and pose serious side effects. Nanomaterial-conjugated drugs have shown promising therapeutic potential against different respiratory diseases as they are required in small quantities which lower overall treatment costs and can be effectively targeted to diseased tissue microenvironment hence having minimal side effects. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are safe as their breakdown products are easily metabolized in the body. Drugs loaded on the PLGA NPs have been shown to be promising agents as anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory. Surface modification of PLGA NPs can further improve their mechanical properties, drug loading potential, and pharmacological activities. In the present review, we have presented a brief insight into the pathophysiological mechanism underlying COPD and highlighted the role, potential, and current status of PLGA NPs loaded with drugs in the therapy of COPD.

Properties of Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) and Progress of Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid)-Based Biodegradable Materials in Biomedical Research

“…The third-most common cause of mortality worldwide is a dangerous lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [ 53 ]. The current treatment of COPD mainly uses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and corticosteroid drugs, but the process of application requires higher doses and serious adverse effects [ 54 ]. Small molecule heat shock protein α,β-crystallin (HSPB5) is an extracellular protein with anti-inflammatory properties in a majority of inflammatory models [ 55 ].…”

Progress of biodegradable polymer application in cardiac occluders

“…[105][106][107] Due to its hydrophobicity, biocompatibility, thermoplasticity, easy modification of surface characteristics, adjustable biodegradation rate, and mechanical properties, it has been extensively studied and utilized in drug delivery and tissue engineering. [108][109][110][111][112][113] Studies have shown that PLGA has weak cell adhesion and its acidic degradation products are likely to cause inflammatory responses, 103,114,115 both of which are not conducive to endothelialization and tissue regeneration. However, the hydrophilicity of PLGA can be achieved by attaching different functional groups to modify its surface characteristics, thus improving the interaction with cells and tissues.…”

“…PLGA is a copolymer composed of PLA and PGA, which can be hydrolyzed and degraded into glycolic acid or lactic acid, and eliminated in the form of H 2 O and CO 2 under physiological conditions within a few months 105–107 . Due to its hydrophobicity, biocompatibility, thermoplasticity, easy modification of surface characteristics, adjustable biodegradation rate, and mechanical properties, it has been extensively studied and utilized in drug delivery and tissue engineering 108–113 . Studies have shown that PLGA has weak cell adhesion and its acidic degradation products are likely to cause inflammatory responses, 103,114,115 both of which are not conducive to endothelialization and tissue regeneration.…”