Engineering inhalable nanomedicines to navigate lung barriers for effective pulmonary fibrosis therapy

Abstract

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by abnormal scarring of lung tissue, which severely impairs respiratory function and diminishes quality of life. Despite the availability of antifibrotic and immunosuppressive treatments, therapeutic outcomes remain limited. Inhalable nanomedicines represent a promising approach to address the limitations of traditional therapies by overcoming the lung’s complex physiological and pathological barriers, such as respiratory airflow dynamics, mucus absorption, macrophage clearance, surfactant interactions, and the influence of the lung microbiome. This review delves into the intricate interactions between inhalable nanoparticles and the lung environment, exploring recent advancements in nanotechnology that enable efficient and targeted drug delivery to the fibrotic lung. Key areas of focus include optimizing nanoparticle design, overcoming lung barriers, addressing the challenges of fibrotic pathology, and leveraging biomimetic and “smart” approaches for targeted therapies. This work aims to provide insights into the future of inhalable nanomedicines, paving the way for more effective, personalized treatments for pulmonary fibrosis with improved therapeutic outcomes and minimal side effects.