Progress in Utilizing Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Pulmonary Drug Administration

The escalating prevalence of respiratory ailments poses a significant global public health challenge, ranking among the primary causes of mortality worldwide. Notably, diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer, alongside the emergence of respiratory diseases, notably those induced by the coronavirus family, have contributed substantially to global fatalities in the past two decades. Consequently, numerous studies have been undertaken to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions against these diseases, with a particular emphasis on nanomedicine-driven pulmonary drug delivery. As a result, the development of nanocarriers has emerged as a promising avenue to surmount the constraints associated with traditional therapies, aiming to elevate drug bioavailability at the intended site while minimizing undesired side effects. Within this domain, nanoparticles fashioned from chitosan (CS) exhibit distinct advantages over alternative nanocarriers owing to the inherent biological properties of chitosan, including its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucoadhesive attributes. Furthermore, CS nanoparticles have demonstrated the potential to augment drug stability, extend the duration of action, refine drug targeting, regulate drug release kinetics, optimize the dissolution of poorly soluble drugs, and enhance the cell membrane permeability of hydrophobic drugs. These unique properties position CS nanoparticles as a promising candidate for optimizing drug performance following pulmonary administration. Consequently, this review endeavors to elucidate the potential of chitosan nanoparticles in the realm of pulmonary drug delivery, shedding light on how their intrinsic biological characteristics can ameliorate the treatment landscape of pulmonary diseases. Emphasis is placed on delineating the synergistic interplay between chitosan nanoparticles and the encapsulated drug, thereby offering insights into the prospective advancements in treating respiratory ailments.