Introduction: Nanoparticles are under discussion in drug delivery for more than 20 years now, but examples for nanoparticulate formulations in the treatment of respiratory diseases are rare and mostly limited to the administration of sub-micron drug particles (ultrafine particles). However, nanoparticles may also carry specific benefits for respiratory treatment. Are nanoparticles the next-generation drug carrier system to facilitate systemic delivery, sustained release and cancer treatment in the lungs?
Areas covered: This review will look into the promises and opportunities of the use of nanoparticles in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Important aspects to discuss are the fate of nanoparticles in the lung and mechanisms for reproducible delivery of nanoparticulate formulations to the lungs. Examples are given where nanoparticles may be advantageous over for traditional formulations and further aspects to explore are mentioned.
Expert opinion: The benefit of nanoparticulate systems for respiratory delivery adds to the portfolio of possible formulation strategies, depends on the intended functionality and needs more exploration. Advantages of such systems are only seen in special cases.
Keywords: (Bio)polymers; delivery; formulations; inhalation; liposomes; sustained release; targeting; toxicity; uptake; vaccines.