Francesca Ungaro
University of Napoli Federico II, Italy
Title: Overcoming biological barriers in severe lung diseases through tailored inhalable nanoparticles
Biography
Biography: Francesca Ungaro
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.