Nanotechnology bring a new hope for asthmatics

Aerosol pulmonary immune engineering

Aerosolization of immunotherapies poses incredible potential for manipulating the local mucosal-specific microenvironment, engaging specialized pulmonary cellular defenders, and accessing mucosal associated lymphoid tissue to redirect systemic adaptive and memory responses. In this review, we breakdown key inhalable immunoengineering strategies for chronic, genetic, and infection-based inflammatory pulmonary disorders, encompassing the historic use of immunomodulatory agents, the transition to biological inspired or derived treatments, and novel approaches of complexing these materials into drug delivery vehicles for enhanced release outcomes. Alongside a brief description of key immune targets, fundamentals of aerosol drug delivery, and preclinical pulmonary models for immune response, we survey recent advances of inhaled immunotherapy platforms, ranging from small molecules and biologics to particulates and cell therapies, as well as prophylactic vaccines. In each section, we address the formulation design constraints for aerosol delivery as well as advantages for each platform in driving desirable immune modifications. Finally, prospects of clinical translation and outlook for inhaled immune engineering are discussed.

Emerging strategies in nanotechnology to treat respiratory tract infections: realizing current trends for future clinical perspectives

A boom in respiratory tract infection cases has inflicted a socio-economic burden on the healthcare system worldwide, especially in developing countries. Limited alternative therapeutic options have posed a major threat to human health. Nanotechnology has brought an immense breakthrough in the pharmaceutical industry in a jiffy. The vast applications of nanotechnology ranging from early diagnosis to treatment strategies are employed for respiratory tract infections. The research avenues explored a multitude of nanosystems for effective drug delivery to the target site and combating the issues laid through multidrug resistance and protective niches of the bacteria. In this review a brief introduction to respiratory diseases and multifaceted barriers imposed by bacterial infections are enlightened. The manuscript reviewed different nanosystems, i.e. liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, nanogels, and metallic (gold and silver) which enhanced bactericidal effects, prevented biofilm formation, improved mucus penetration, and site-specific delivery. Moreover, most of the nanotechnology-based recent research is in a preclinical and clinical experimental stage and safety assessment is still challenging.