Nanotechnology Enabled Inhalation of Bio-therapeutics for Pulmonary Diseases: Design Considerations and Challenges

Nanomaterials-assisted gene editing and synthetic biology for optimizing the treatment of pulmonary diseases

The use of nanomaterials in gene editing and synthetic biology has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the pursuit of refined treatment methodologies for pulmonary disorders. This review discusses the utilization of nanomaterial-assisted gene editing tools and synthetic biology techniques to promote the development of more precise and efficient treatments for pulmonary diseases. First, we briefly outline the characterization of the respiratory system and succinctly describe the principal applications of diverse nanomaterials in lung ailment treatment. Second, we elaborate on gene-editing tools, their configurations, and assorted delivery methods, while delving into the present state of nanomaterial-facilitated gene-editing interventions for a spectrum of pulmonary diseases. Subsequently, we briefly expound on synthetic biology and its deployment in biomedicine, focusing on research advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary conditions against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Finally, we summarize the extant lacunae in current research and delineate prospects for advancement in this domain. This holistic approach augments the development of pioneering solutions in lung disease treatment, thereby endowing patients with more efficacious and personalized therapeutic alternatives.

Comparative study of mucoadhesive and mucus-penetrative nanoparticles based on phospholipid complex to overcome the mucus barrier for inhaled delivery of baicalein

Efficient mucosal delivery remains a major challenge for the reason of the respiratory tract mucus act as a formidable barrier to nanocarriers by trapping and clearing foreign particulates. The surface property of nanoparticles determines their retention and penetration ability within the respiratory tract mucus. However, the interaction between nanoparticles and mucus, and how these interactions impact distribution has not been extensively investigated. In this study, polymeric nanoparticles loaded with a baicalein–phospholipid complex were modified with two kinds of polymers, mucoadhesive and mucus-penetrative polymer. Systematic investigations on the physicochemical property, mucus penetration, transepithelial transport, and tissue distribution were performed to evaluate the interaction of nanoparticles with the respiratory tract. Both nanoparticles had a similar particle size and good biocompatibility, exhibited a sustained-release profile, but showed a considerable difference in zeta potential. Interestingly, mucus-penetrative nanoparticles exhibited a higher diffusion rate in mucus, deeper penetration across the mucus layer, enhanced in vitro cellular uptake, increased drug distribution in airways, and superior local distribution and bioavailability as compared to mucoadhesive nanoparticles. These results indicate the potential of mucus-penetrative nanoparticles in design of a rational delivery system to improve the efficiency of inhaled therapy by promoting mucus penetration and increasing local distribution and bioavailability.