Biography:

Katharina M Fromm is a Coordination Chemist with expertise in the bioinorganic chemistry of silver, nanoparticles and nanocontainers as well as battery nanomaterials. She has been particularly interested in providing protective coatings for metallic and polymer implant materials and collaborated with microbiologists, infectiologists and medical doctors as well as industrial partners. Her concern is not only about antimicrobial activity, but also biocompatibility of nanomaterials and the bacterial resistance mechanisms towards metal ions such as silver. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: More and more artificial materials are implanted into the human body to replace bone and organ function in case of failure. These materials do not possess a natural defence system and are hence prone to bacterial adhesion which can occur during operation or via hematogenous seeding. Bacterial infections of implants may have severe consequences as they cannot be treated with traditional antibiotics.  

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We developed coordination compounds based on ionic silver and a ligand to be attached on metallic implant surfaces. In parallel, silver nanoparticle containing nanorattles based on inorganic shell materials such as silica or titania were developed for a slow silver ion release. The compounds were thoroughly characterized in bulk as well as in the form of surface coatings. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated by in vitro Kirby Bauer tests as well as in vivo tests. Biocompatibility tests were performed on fibroblast cells in vivo. Both results were related to the silver ion release profiles from the materials in biological buffer media. A bacterial sensor has been developed to link the drug release from nanorattles to the presence of bacteria.

Findings: We have found several new coordination compounds based on silver ions that can be successfully attached to metallic implant surfaces to release antimicrobial metal ions while remaining biocompatible. For a prolonged release, we developed nanocontainers that provide drug protection and tunable release times and that can also be attached to implant surfaces. In order to target the release in a more controlled way, we developed a bacterial sensor able to recognize DNA material in a selective, fast and sensitive way for a specific treatment.  

Conclusion & Significance: With the panoply of antimicrobial compounds, implant materials can be protected immediately after operation to prevent infections occurring during this process, as well as long-term protected against infections occurring via hematogenous seeding. The bacterial sensor allows to trigger drug release and can be used as analytical tool as well for rapid and specific diagnostics

Biography:

Helen O McCarthy has her research interest in the development of non-viral delivery systems for nanomedicine applications from last 11 years. These biomimetic systems are designed to overcome the extra and intracellular barriers, so that the macromolecular payload can be delivered at the destination site in order to exert the optimal therapeutic effect. She has designed and patented two delivery systems. Her research team involved in the development of a number of 2^nd and 3^rd generation multifunctional delivery systems

Abstract:

RALA is a 30mer cationic amphipathic peptide that condenses nucleic acid cargo into cationic nanoparticles (~50 nm diameter) suitable for gene delivery. However, upon systemic administration of plasmid luciferase-loaded (pLuc) RALA nanoparticles, bioluminescence is largely confined to highly vascularised organs, such as the lungs and liver. This represents a potential limitation of unfunctionalised RALA nanoparticles, which may not reach the tissues requiring the therapeutic cargo. The aim of this project is to functionalise RALA to increase circulation time and improve the pharmacokinetic profile of RALA nanoparticles. Vitamin E tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) is a regulatory-approved non-ionic surfactant used in various drug delivery systems to achieve improved stability. TPGS was conjugated with five arginine residues (R₅) to form TPGS-R₅. Composite RALA/TPGS-R₅ nanoparticles were complexed with plasmid DNA (pDNA) at a range of W:W ratios. Characteristics of nanoparticles formed were assessed by encapsulation assay, size and charge analysis. In vitro functionality was assessed by transfection studies in MDA-MB-231 breast and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Stability studies analysing integrity of nanoparticles in serum and at physiological salt concentrations followed. In vivo biodistribution studies were performed in BALB/c SCID mice with either PC-3 or MDA-MB-231 xenografts. RALA/TPGS-R₅ nanoparticles (W:W ratios 10:4, 8:6 and 6:8) carrying pLuc (50 µg) were delivered via tail vein injection. Bioluminescence was measured using a Bruker in vivo Xtreme imaging system 48 h and 96 h post injection. RALA/TPGS-R₅ formed nanoparticles with pEGFP-N1 (~150 nm diameter and ~20 mV zeta potential) and transfected MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 cells. W:W ratios 10:4, 8:6 and 6:8 were stable at physiological salt concentrations. Functionalisation of RALA nanoparticles with TPGS-R₅ reduced the luciferase expression detected in the lungs, liver, kidney and spleen. Up to a 30-fold increase in luciferase expression was detected in PC-3 tumours 48 h after treatment with 6:8, relative to untreated control. In MDA-MB-231 xenografts, a 12-fold increase in luciferase expression in tumours was detected, which was significantly higher (P≤0.05) than that of the RALA treatment group. Addition of TPGS-R₅ to RALA nanoparticles improves the in vivo pharmacokinetics for the delivery of nucleic acids by reducing accumulation in the highly vascularised organs. This indicates the ability of TPGS-R₅ to avoid clearance and increase circulation time of RALA nanoparticles in circulation. The enhanced transgene expression in tumours in both prostate and breast cancer models highlights the potential of this composite delivery system for systemic gene delivery, and warrants progression to studies involving delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids for a third generation cancer therapy.

Biography:

Abstract:

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry, especially with the applications of using nanoparticles (NPs) as drug delivery systems (DDS). These NPs show a number of advantages comparing to conventional methods such as increased bioavailability through enhanced solubility, forming theranostic platforms by co-delivering diagnostic and therapeutic agents, overcome various transport barriers to reach to the targeting sites, and controlled release capabilities, etc. Examples of such systems include nanoemulsions, liposomes and polymer nanoparticles. Despite their great potentials, major manufacturing challenges exist such as precisely control particle size and size distribution, achieve repeatable and scalable results, comply with all cGMP requirements and product sterilizable, e.g., through terminal sterile filtration. Microfluidizer^® technology is an advanced technology that satisfies all of the requirements by delivering superior uniform shear and energy dissipation rates through the utilization of fixed geometry interaction chamber and constant process pressure. The unique benefits are presented here with three case studies. The first case study compares making an oil-in-water nanoemulsion adjuvant with post-processing sterile filtration using both of the Microfluidizer and traditional high-pressure homogenization technology. Microfluidizer was able to produce nanoemulsions have much higher filterability due to smaller droplets and narrower distribution. The process also showed excellent energy efficiency. The second and third case studies demonstrate producing and scaling up of a liposomal antibiotic formulation and fabricating two different polymer particles, one solid and the other one with embedded nanoparticles, respectively. In summary, Microfluidizer^® technology is very efficient, reliable, and well-suited for manufacturing drug delivery nanoparticles for the pharmaceutical industry from development to production

Biography:

Cristina Sabliov, PhD is a Professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center. She is leading an international renowned research program in the field of Nanotechnology, specifically focused on polymeric nanoparticles designed for delivery of bioactive components for improved food quality and human health

Abstract:

The presentation is focused on poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticle (NP) biodistribution in mice and rats, based on a literature review. The nanoparticle presence expressed in % dose particles/g tissue in the liver, kidney, spleen, lung, heart, and brain were compared based on particle size, animal model, method of delivery and  nanoparticle tracking method. The liver showed the highest uptake of particles in mice, and the lung showed the highest uptake in rats, with minimum amounts of nanoparticles in heart and brain. The concentration of particles decreased to 0% dose/g over 24 hours after a single dose of IV administered particles. Orally delivered nanoparticles showed little to no uptake within the first 24 hours. Particles with physically entrapped indicators were detected at higher concentrations than covalently labeled nanoparticles. It was concluded that more research is needed on oral delivery of PLGA NPs as well as detection beyond 24 hours to better understand fate of polymeric nanoparticles in-vivo required successful application of nanoparticles in drug delivery.

Biography:

Christine Charrueau has completed her PhD from Paris-Sud University in France, and Postdoctoral studies from North Carolina University, Chapel Hill, USA. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Paris Descartes, France, and she is a member of the UTCBS Research Unit (Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé - UMR CNRS 8258 -- Inserm U 1022). She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals

Abstract:

Resveratrol (3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene) has attracted considerable interest for its beneficial potentials for human health. However, its in vivo biological effects appear strongly limited by its low bioavailability. To overcome this problem, current strategies are turned towards the design of nano-sized formulations like nanoparticles, liposomes or self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), potentially allowing for an increase in its efficacy in human health by enhancing its stability, solubility or capacity to cross cellular membrane. In this context, we have developed SEDDS consisting in ternary combinations of oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants, and able to form nanoemulsions upon aqueous dispersion. Tested on bovine aortic endothelial cells, these SEDDS were able to significantly increase the membrane and intracellular concentrations of resveratrol. In addition, resveratrol nanoemulsions significantly improved the cell protection from H₂O₂-induced injury in comparison with a resveratrol ethanol solution. In the same way, in a human immortalized chondrocytic cell line (T/C28a2), resveratrol SEDDS were able to increase cellular tolerance towards resveratrol, to increase resveratrol cellular uptake, and to improve protection against oxidative stress-mediated death. Finally, the capability of SEDDS to enhance resveratrol permeation across rat intestine was tested on Ussing chambers. The absorptive fluxes of resveratrol from the nanoemulsions were significantly increased compared to an ethanol solution. Simultaneously, the presystemic metabolization pattern was modified, suggesting that SEDDS could modulate this important limiting factor to resveratrol systemic absorption. In conclusion, nanoemulsions prepared from SEDDS dispersion could be promising formulations for enhancing cellular uptake and oral delivery of resveratrol

Biography:

Seitaro Kamiya has his expertise in evaluation and passion in improving the pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical technology. He focuses on increasing the efficiency of powder solidification of the nanoparticles and demonstrating the association between nanoparticles and saccharides. In addition, his chief concern is to elucidate the mechanism of association between nanoparticles and carriers

Abstract:

The importance of nanoparticle formulation is increasingly recognized in supporting pharmaceuticals development. Thus, maintaining a constant state in nanoparticles is an important major issue. A method involving lyophilization with the addition of saccharides can be used to maintain the state of nanoparticles. In drugs; however, this method has not been sufficiently discussed. In this study, trisaccharides, tetrasaccharides, and pentasaccharides were added to the nanoparticle suspensions, followed by rehydration of the samples, which had been either dried normally or freeze-dried. The particle diameter size after rehydration at that time was then measured. In addition, each saccharide was measured using a powder X-ray diffractometer and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) device. We studied the association between the nanoparticles aggregation and the crystal form of saccharides and their mechanisms by using the obtained results of the data of particle size, powder X-ray pattern, and DSC curves. The diameter of the nanoparticles was maintained when it was freeze-dried, while particle aggregation occurred when normal dried samples were used. In addition, crystallinity crystalline saccharide was not observed in the freeze-dried group but was in the normal dried group.

Biography:

Gerardo Byk received his PhD (summa cum laude) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In his PhD work, he developed a new generation of peptidomimetic molecules by the introduction of the new concept of backbone cyclization. Since August 1992, he has been in AVENTIS, where he was involved in the development of novel non-viral gene delivery complexes for gene therapy. He joined Bar Ilan University/Israel in 1999, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2002, where he is currently associated with the Marcus Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. His main scientific interests: peptide, peptidomimetics, combinatorial chemistry and gene therapy. Lastly, his group entered the field of nanotechnology with the design and development of biocompatible nanoparticles suited both for peptide synthesis, and for in vivo applications.

Abstract:

We have developed new biocompatible, non-degradable NPs well tolerated both in vitro and in vivo with the particularity that peptide synthesis can be carried out on their surface. Although the NP’s have a large range of well-defined sizes going from 20 to 400 nm, they are all composed of the same monomers. Their shell composition, in contact with the biological media, is uniformly composed of polyethylene-glycol, thus their biocompatibility remains high along the different sizes. A proposed peculiar mechanism of formation allowed maintaining uniform their shell composition. The conjugation of molecules to the NPs was a real challenge since they are nano-hydrogels with high colloidal stability that can only be dialyzed for eventual removal of reagents. Therefore we have designed and proved a novel solid phase peptide synthesis method for Merrifield synthesis on nanoparticles based on the embedment of the NPs in a permeable and removable magnetic matrix. The platform composed of the NPs and the synthetic peptide is a useful tool for imaging methods for intracellular localization of the NPs using microscopy as we have shown in vitro for PC-3 cells a system using TAT, NLS and TAT-NLS peptides on the nanoparticles, and for in vivo tracking using the Zebra fish model.

Biography:

Sophia Hatziantoniou is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Pharmacy of the Patras University. Her research interests are focused on: Incorporation of drug molecules in nanosystems (liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid state lipid nanoparticles (SLN), polymeric systems, dendrimers), to improve the pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability and pharmacological response in target tissues (tumors, lung, skin). Her research also focuses on the formulation of novel carriers of bioactive molecules into final products and study their characteristics (size distribution, zeta-potential, particle surface morphology, content of actives and excipients, active bioavailability, stability); Study of the interaction of bioactive molecules with model lipid membranes mainly by thermal analysis in order to design new formulations, as well as to predict their interaction with biological membranes; Development of cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical product. Safety assessment and evaluation of their efficacy using non-invasive biomechanical methods for claim substantiation.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Nanoemulsions (NE), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are colloidal carriers for bioactive compounds. They are applied in therapeutic, diagnostic and cosmetic formulations. Curcumin (cur) is a polyphenol found in the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa L., and is traditionally used in the treatment of many diseases because of its multiple properties. The high lipophilicity of the molecule renders it difficult to incorporate in an acceptable final formulation. The above drawback as well as the intense color and reduced chemical stability of the molecule in light and air is attempted to be overcome by the use of nanotechnology. The aim of this work is to investigate the possibility of using the benefits of nanotechnology in the efficient topical delivery of curcumin formulated as nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers.

Materials & Methods: Three types of nanocarriers containing curcumin (NE-cur, SLN-cur & NLC-cur) and their corresponding control samples (NE-control, SLN-control & NLC-control) were prepared using triglycerides (Solid TG or Liquid TG or Solid-Liquid TG combination) and phosphatydylcholine (Egg PC or Soy PC) was also used as lipid phase. The particle size and their colloidal stability over time was assessed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), after centrifugation or storage at 4^oC. The incorporation efficiency of curcumin in different nanocarriers was determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Their film forming capacity was examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings: NEs, SLNs and NLCs of high curcumin content were successfully prepared and physicochemicaly characterized. Their stability was monitored over a period of 90 days. The high percentage of the incorporated curcumin and the uniformity of the particle distribution as well as the retaining of these characteristics overtime are factors indicating that the nanostructured lipid carriers and solid lipid nanoparticles are more suitable carriers for curcumin in comparison to lipid nanoemulsions.

Figure 1: Film forming capacity of different nanocarriers as monitored by Scanning Electron Micoscopy

Biography:

Tista Bagchi received her PhD from the University of Chicago in 1993 and an advanced diploma in Computer Science certified by the University of Oxford in 1999. She is currently a Professor in Linguistics at the University of Delhi and a Former Member of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, besides being a current international member of the American Philosophical Association. She has also been a member of an inter-university Complexity Theory group and CSIR Mobility Scientist at the National Institute of Science, Technology, and Development Studies, Delhi, and has published several articles in Bioethics (alongside Linguistics and Philosophy).

Abstract:

Nanomedicine and medical nanotechnology are considered to constitute new frontiers of medicine on a number of counts. As with any such new developments in medical science and technologies, significant moral and prudential concerns, which together come under ethical concerns overall, inevitably arise as regards the regulation of the implementation and use of these developments. These concerns have been articulated with a good deal of clarity by Resnik & Tinkle (2007), who state that, among other things, “researchers, consumer advocates, and politicians have urged government agencies and private companies to proactively address the ethical, social and regulatory aspects of nanotechnology”. This need for ethical safeguards and regulations in nanomedicine gets compounded with the need for safeguards in microsurgical interventions given the prospect of combining the latter with, e.g., polymeric micelle-borne drug delivery. The mode of addressing the need for combined ethical safeguards and regulations adopted here is that of initiating reflective equilibrium with consideration of the respective prospects and problems of nanomedicine (including nanotechnological implementation) and microsurgery as known to date, with examination of certain key transnational guidelines in medical ethics, but focusing on this particular combination of the two with their considerable magnitudinal differences. While the prospects of combining protocols in nanomedicine and medical nanotechnology with those in microsurgery look highly promising, the potential problems and pitfalls are far better anticipated in advance for the formulation of reasonable ethical safeguards that benefit all.

Biography:

Sabrina Gioria is based in the Directorate F-Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Italy. His research interest lies in investigating the in vitro toxicity of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) covering the development and optimization of test methods, the study of nanoparticles (NPs) uptake including the route of internalization, as well as investigating the mechanisms involved in NPs toxicity. She is part of the CORE expert team of the European Nanomedicine Characterization Laboratories (EU-NCL) and she is involved in the JRC-Open-Lab activities

Abstract:

The rapid progress in the field of medical products involving nanotechnology makes the development of a coherent approach for their regulation a challenge. Robust and validated measurement methods are needed to allow informed regulatory decisions on their safety. Identifying critical physicochemical parameter that can have an impact on the products' quality and safety is extremely important. In particular, stability, size (-distribution), free vs. encapsulated drug content were considered as key parameters contributing to the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicity of nanoformulated drugs. Other parameters with an influence on the biological system are surface charge, surface chemistry, solubility and partition properties. Case studies of advanced methods for size-distribution, drug loading and drug-release in order to provide robust methods applicable to nanoproducts will be provided. In vitro toxicity testing is also an integral part for the identification of the hazardous potential of nano medical products in the early phase of their development. In vitro methods can provide initial insights of the toxic potential of e.g. a drug candidate at low costs and in a short timeframe. However, a caveat for the application of existing and highly standardized in vitro test methods for nanomedicine assessment is the interference of test reagents with the nanomaterial which can lead to false predictions of the assay. Here we address the pitfalls of existing toxicity testing when applied to nanomaterials and suggest alternatives. Progress in method development is essential to foster necessary standards that will support a harmonised regulation of nanomaterial-containing products. JRC scientific knowledge, technical competences and advanced instrumentation in the characterization of nanomaterials will be soon accessible to academia, public and industrial laboratories based within EU Member States and H2020 associated countries through the JRC Open Nano-Lab activities. 

Biography:

Ismaeil Haririan received the PharmD in Pharmacy by working on SAR (Structure-Activity Relationship) of drug molecules from State University of Tabriz (Iran) in 1986. He got his PhD in Pharmaceutics and Physical Pharmacy (1989-1994) from London School of Pharmacy (UK). Apart from some significant works on novel drug delivery systems and physic-mechanical studies on some pharmaceutical polymeric films, he turned his attention to biomaterials and nanotechnology. He co-operated with some other Tehran University Academic Staff to establish Biomaterials Research Center (BRC) in 2007. This allowed him to enter the new field of investigation of cancer gene therapy and drug targeting by applying pharmaceutical biodegradable polymer/non-polymer vectors. He is the Founder of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials as a new PhD field and Director of the Center for Research in Medical Biomaterials Research Center (MBRC) as well as the Director of Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials at TUMS.

Abstract:

To contrive against the obstacles in physicochemical properties of curcumin, various carriers and delivery systems have been introduced in the past two decades. Among a multitude of potential vehicles, the prospective effects of the liposomes and lipid-structures in improving the pharmacokinetic and dynamic of turmeric compounds have numerously been reported in recent studies. Besides, peptides that modulate cancer cell specific molecular pathways have a great potential as anticancer therapeutics. Among them, peptides that induce cell death via apoptosis have attracted ever-increasing attention. Tumor homing peptides and peptidomimetics containing RGD or NGR motifs have been exploited for targeting of therapeutics or diagnostics to cells with an overexpression of αυβ integrin family of adhesion receptors. On the other hands, studies have demonstrated that KLA peptides with a sequence of (KLAKLAK)2 can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. However, cell internalization is perceived as a major obstacle for development of such pharmaceutically useful peptides. Many efforts have been done to optimize ACP properties through two approaches: computational design and delivery systems. Among the carriers, gold nanoparticles offer a safe delivery platforms for anticancer agent development. Self-assembled structures were prepared from the oleyl-peptide at pH 3, 5.5, and 7. Curcumin was also dispersed in aqueous phase at neutral pH and was further separated from the colloidal particles and precipitates through filtration. According to the results, the more cytotoxicity and cellular uptake by T47D and MCF-7 breast cancer cells were observed for the smaller NPs in size an aspect ratio (AR) in which T47D cells was more sensitive than MCF-7 cells. The MTT results were confirmed by the morphological changes for the cancer cells exposed to NPs. Our finding suggested that the biological and pro-apoptotic effects of the mitochondrial targeting peptide were tuned by P-AuNPs upon their size and shape.

Biography:

Sandra Carvalho studied Chemistry and Physics at University of Minho, Portugal and at same university, in 2004, she graduated as PhD in Physics (thesis work carried out in Portugal, France, Netherlands and Germany, in the field of hard PVD coatings). She is Head of the Research Surface Modification and Functionalization Group of the Centre Physics of University of Minho. She is involved in innovative nanoscale coating architectures for functional and smart surfaces such as flexible devices and bio-sensors, nanostructured coatings, nanostructured materials with barrier and antimicrobial properties, nanoparticles and 3D nanostructures. She is Head of the Laboratory of Corrosion and Electrochemical Studies. She is the Scientific Coordinator of Doctoral Program on Surface and Protection Engineering. She is member of European Joint Committee on Plasma and Ion Surface Engineering. She belongs to the Executive Committee of the Portuguese Materials Society. 

Abstract:

Significant advances have been made in the technology of biomedical coatings and materials. This talk will provide an extensive review of coating types and surface modifications for biomedical applications. In many cases, side by side with traditional properties, like wear and corrosion resistance, biomaterials have to be compatible with body tissues and fluids, have anti-microbial activity and, in specific cases, contributing for a good integration of the material in the human body (e.g. osseointegration). It is difficult to find a unique material with all these functionalities, reinforcing the importance of surface engineering to supply new functionalities. The topic of this talk is centred in the surface modification of materials, traditionally used for biomedical applications, in order to improve their performance for specific cases. Different surface modification methods will be presented and the potential applications like orthopaedic (Figure 1), cardiovascular and urethral stents (Figure 2), biosensors (Figure 3), dental implants (Figure 4) will be discussed. Several cases studies from antimicrobial coatings to bioactive surfaces will be presented.

Figure 1: Functional coating for hip joint

Figure 2: Functionalized stents with antimicrobial activity

Figure 3: Smart electrode deposited on polymers based sensors for smart implants

Figure 4: New bioactive surface for dental implants

Biography:

Francesca Ungaro is Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology at the Dept. of Pharmacy of University of Napoli Federico II. Since her PhD, she has been studying innovative delivery systems for small and biotech drugs, with particular regard to micro- and nano-particles. In the last 10 years, special attention has been focused on engineered carriers for inhalation. In particular, she has been coordinating several national and international projects (1 ongoing) aimed to the development of inhalable formulations for cystic fibrosis treatment. She is author of 63 scientific articles in highly-ranked journals, 1 patent, 4 book chapters, 1 editorial and more than 100 presentations at symposia (h-index =22, total citations >1500). 

Abstract:

Lung delivery represents a fascinating option to limit ubiquitous distribution of systemically, and often chronically, administered drugs used to treat severe pulmonary diseases. Nonetheless, clinical outcomes of inhaled therapies strongly depend on drug ability to deposit along the airways and to overcome barriers imposed by the lungs. In this context, the general aim of our studies is the development of inhalable nanomedicines able to deliver the intact drug in the lungs and to shield its interactions with lung lining fluids while enhancing drug availability at the cell target. This objective has been pursued through the design and production of differently engineered nanoparticulate systems with increasing levels of complexity, driven by technological and biological design rules. Some examples, such as drug nanocrystals, micelles and biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles, will be discussed highlighting how the most appropriate formulation approach can be selected only taking into account the distinct physico-chemical profile of the drug under investigation (e.g., molecular weight, solubility, stability) and the peculiarities of the lung pathology (e.g., cystic fibrosis, lung cancer). Surface engineering of nanocarriers with either polymers or phospholipids turns out as crucial to face the current challenge of overcoming lung barriers, especially mucus. Last but not least, in vitro/in vivo studies represent a critical step to select the best formulation to candidate for further development.