Unlocking the Potential of Nanotechnology in Advancing Pulmonary Drug Delivery Systems

Pulmonary drug delivery systems have emerged as non-invasive and effective platforms for treating intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary conditions, allowing for direct drug administration to the lungs or systemic delivery via pulmonary absorption. The lungs' large surface area and extensive alveolar network facilitate rapid absorption of drugs at high concentrations, allowing for lower dosing, reduced systemic side effects, and improved therapeutic outcomes through targeted delivery. Nanotechnology further enhances pulmonary drug delivery systems by encapsulating drugs in nanoparticles, which can improve drug stability, promote cellular uptake, enable passive targeting, and offer controlled release profiles. With the increasing incidence of respiratory diseases and growing interest in pulmonary delivery for both local and systemic therapy, a deeper understanding of respiratory drug delivery mechanisms is critical. This review provides a comprehensive overview of pulmonary drug delivery systems, beginning with conventional delivery systems and their clinical applications. It then examines the challenges affecting the efficacy of inhaled therapies and explores recent advancements, particularly nanoparticle formulations, that aim to improve drug targeting, bioavailability, and patient adherence. The review concludes by highlighting ongoing challenges and outlining future perspectives for the development of more efficient and patient-centric pulmonary drug delivery strategies. Ultimately, nanoparticle-based systems offer a promising alternative for improving the treatment of pulmonary and systemic infections, supporting better patient outcomes and advancing precision respiratory medicine.