Micro- and nanocarrier-mediated lung targeting.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Drug delivery to lungs appears to be an attractive proposition on account of the large surface area of the alveolar region; it provides tremendous opportunities to improve drug therapies both systemically and locally using new drug delivery systems. Administration of drugs directly to the lungs is the most appropriate route in the treatment of asthma and other pulmonary diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: This review focuses on the utilization of nano- and microcarriers such as microspheres, nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes and dendrimers for targeted delivery of bioactive molecules to lungs. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: This review sheds light on the current status of nano- and microcarrier-mediated lung targeting of bioactive compounds. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: The literature review shows that carriers could supplement sustained drug delivery to the lungs, extended duration of action, reduced therapeutic dose, improved patient compliance, and reduced adverse effects of highly toxic drugs. There is still a need to identify more specific receptors that are present exclusively in the lungs. The identification of such receptors may also facilitate drug targeting to further specific parts of the lungs, such as bronchioles and alveoli.