Nanotechnology for pulmonary and nasal drug delivery

Abstract Pulmonary and nasal pathways remained the appropriate routes for drug delivery since ancient times. The effect of certain drugs could be more efficient and suitable through these pathways. The advances in nanotechnology have increase interests of the lung to be used as a major route of drug delivery for both systemic and local treatments. Especially the big surface area of the lungs and the minimal barriers impeding access to the lung periphery make drug delivery through this organ a suitable gateway for a variety of therapeutic interventions. Nano-/microparticles, hydrogels, liposomes, and dry-coated powders are being used as new approaches for drug delivery. Advantages of applying nanotechnology for drug delivery through pulmonary and nasal routes have shown targeted drug delivery, increased bioavailability, high efficiency, reduction in biodistribution, less toxicity and more patient comfort. We have reviewed multiple diseases like pneumonia, asthma, lung cancer and other respiratory disease treatment, which are benefited by drug delivery through pulmonary route. In this chapter, we have also discussed the treatment of diabetes and other systemic diseases through pulmonary (nose-to-lung and nasal-to-brain) pathway.