Volume : 13, Issue : 05, May – 2026

Title:

NANOPARTICULATE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS THERAPY: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF FORMULATION STRATEGIES, MUCUS PENETRATION MECHANISMS, TARGETED PULMONARY DELIVERY, AND TRANSLATIONAL CHALLENGES

Authors :

Pooja Pandurang Durke*, Prof. Dr. R. S. Wanare

Abstract :

Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have emerged as a transformative approach in the management of Cystic Fibrosis, a complex genetic disorder characterized by impaired mucociliary clearance, thickened airway mucus, and chronic pulmonary infections. Conventional therapeutic strategies, including antibiotics, mucolytics, and CFTR modulators, are often limited by poor mucus penetration, systemic side effects, and inadequate drug retention at the site of action. This comprehensive review highlights the potential of nanoparticulate systems to overcome these limitations through advanced formulation strategies, enhanced mucus penetration mechanisms, and targeted pulmonary delivery. The review systematically discusses various nanoparticulate carriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, dendrimers, and nanoemulsions, emphasizing their design principles and functional advantages. Special attention is given to formulation strategies, including material selection, preparation techniques, surface modification, and drug loading approaches, which collectively influence therapeutic performance. The mechanisms governing mucus penetration, including particle size optimization, surface hydrophilicity, and PEGylation, are critically analyzed in the context of the unique pathophysiological environment of cystic fibrosis. Furthermore, the review explores targeted pulmonary delivery systems and inhalation devices that facilitate efficient drug deposition in the respiratory tract. Emerging therapeutic applications, including antibiotic delivery, gene therapy, RNA-based therapeutics, and genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, are comprehensively evaluated. In vitro and in vivo evaluation models used to assess nanoparticle performance, safety, and efficacy are also discussed. Finally, key translational challenges, including scalability, regulatory considerations, and clinical applicability, are addressed, along with future perspectives for advancing nanomedicine in cystic fibrosis therapy. Overall, nanoparticulate systems represent a promising and versatile platform for improving therapeutic outcomes and quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Keywords:Cystic fibrosis; Nanoparticulate drug delivery; Pulmonary delivery; Mucus penetration; Polymeric nanoparticles; Liposomes; Solid lipid nanoparticles; Nanostructured lipid carriers; Gene therapy; RNA therapeutics; CRISPR-Cas9; Inhalation systems; Biofilm targeting; Drug delivery systems

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Pooja Pandurang Durke et al., Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems In Cystic Fibrosis Therapy: A Comprehensive Review Of Formulation Strategies, Mucus Penetration Mechanisms, Targeted Pulmonary Delivery, And Translational Challenges., Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(05).,

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