Chapter 10 - Advancement in translational respiratory research using nanotechnology

Abstract

Advances in the medical field have not been successful in reducing the increasing mortality and morbidity due to respiratory diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung carcinoma and pulmonary fibrosis, and various infections are the leading causes of death. The conventional dosage forms are associated with several limitations. Thus patient-focused, translatable, and high-quality respiratory research is the need of the hour for improving the clinical results, and thus close teamwork of clinicians and scientists is essential. Recently, policy initiatives and strong advocacy have led to advances in implementing clinical care and research for chronic respiratory diseases. In this path, nanotechnology has gained huge popularity in delivering drugs to the target site especially in respiratory research and medicine. This attention is due to advantages associated with nanoformulations including improved patient compliance, pharmacotherapy, and targeting effects. A large number of molecular targets identified as potential candidates for both acute and chronic respiratory disorders but have been applied in a limited manner due to problems associated with delivery systems. Mainly, delivery of microRNAs, long-noncoding RNAs, proteins and peptides, etc. to the lung is an ongoing challenge. Hence, nanotechnology is an attractive strategy for potential testing targets. In the present chapter, the authors have tried to collect and summarize the recent advancements in the field of translational respiratory research using nanotechnology that will pave a new path for the development of effective drug delivery systems for respiratory diseases.