Nano- and micro-based inhaled drug delivery systems for targeting alveolar macrophages

Drug delivery targeted to alveolar macrophages in the lung is becoming a reality thanks to micro- and nanotechnology breakthrough. The literature review shows that regulation of physicochemical parameters of particles could be a recipe to enhance macrophage targeting and uptake. However, there is still a need to identify more target-specific receptors in order to facilitate drug targeting. Besides that, the toxicity of nanocarriers arising from prolonged residence in the lung should be taken into consideration during formulation.