Micelle-based Systems for Pulmonary Drug Delivery and Targeting

Fernanda      Andrade; Mafalda      Videira; Domingos      Ferreira; Bruno      Sarmento

doi:10.2174/2210304x11101020171

Abstract

The respiratory system is in extensive contact with the outside environment, being a place for materials and chemical exchanges. Lungs and airways are constantly exposed to hazardous conditions, and thus able to develop various diseases. Pulmonary administration of compounds for the treatment of respiratory tract diseases has been performed since ancient cultures, and is currently being studied as a route of administration of drugs for systemic action. On the other hand, parenteral administration of drugs to treat lung disorders is also being explored. In order to circumvent the disadvantages presented by conventional formulations, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for pulmonary administration and pulmonary targeting have been exploited. In this field, polymeric micelles are emerging as a promising platform for drug delivery, cancer targeting and tumor imaging applications. This paper is a literature revision regarding the use of polymeric micelles as drug delivery systems for pulmonary administration of drugs as well as for systemic targeted treatment of lung diseases.

Keywords: Inhalation, tuberculosis, polymeric micelles, nanomedicine, lung targeting, lung cancer, MICELLES, Intravenous Administration of Drugs, pulmonary delivery