title: Targeted delivery of nanoparticles for the treatment of lung diseases.
abstract: Targeted delivery of drug molecules to organs or special sites is one of the most challenging research areas in pharmaceutical sciences. By developing colloidal delivery systems such as liposomes, micelles and nanoparticles a new frontier was opened for improving drug delivery. Nanoparticles with their special characteristics such as small particle size, large surface area and the capability of changing their surface properties have numerous advantages compared with other delivery systems. Targeted nanoparticle delivery to the lungs is an emerging area of interest. This article reviews research performed over the last decades on the application of nanoparticles administered via different routes of administration for treatment or diagnostic purposes. Nanotoxicological aspects of pulmonary delivery are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Shirzad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Azarmi
authors.forename: Wilson H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Roa
authors.forename: Raimar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Löbenberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008280:Magnetics; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal