Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Gene and Drug Co-delivery via the Pulmonary Route: Difficulties and Advancements

Abstract: Pulmonary drug delivery systems are targeted therapies for respiratory conditions that deliver drugs directly to the lungs for increased bioavailability and faster action. The selection of the pulmonary route is based on its rapid absorption, which avoids the liver's first-pass metabolism. The approach involves studying how these nanoparticles help encapsulate drugs, shield them from deterioration, and improve their absorption into the lungs. These problems are being addressed by recent developments in improved targeting techniques, surface alterations, and particle size optimization, which are improving stability, release, and distribution. Inhalable dry powder formulations and nanocarriers for immunotherapy and gene therapy are also encouraging. Still, problems continue, including formulation stability, industrial scalability, lung toxicity, and patient compliance with breathing devices. The efficacy of PDDS will depend on resolving these issues with technologies such as Nano printing, combination therapy, and customized drugs. These developments are anticipated to result in more practical and successful pulmonary treatments for respiratory conditions with further research. The focus of this review is the solid lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, and DNA or mRNA approaches. These NPs help protect drugs from degradation, help encapsulate them, and improve lung penetration. This review discusses the nanoparticle and gene therapy for the treatment of PDDS.