Lung Fluid-Inspired Nanoparticles Enhance Respiratory Therapies

Researchers at the CIC biomaGUNE Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials have developed pulmonary surfactant nanoparticles. These nanoparticles encapsulate a drug used to treat pulmonary fibrosis. The design allows the nanoparticles to remain in diseased lung tissue after administration. This method can reduce the required dose of antifibrotic medication.

Lower doses may decrease the side effects associated with conventional treatments. Tests conducted on mice showed a therapeutic effect against pulmonary fibrosis. The study was published in *Advanced Healthcare Materials* by the Molecular and Functional Biomarkers group at CIC biomaGUNE.

The team developed a simple, automated, and reproducible synthesis method. This method uses microfluidics to ensure effective drug encapsulation and stable particle size distribution. Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease where lung tissue scars, making breathing difficult. Current oral treatments often have adverse effects.

Inhaled drugs can target the lungs directly. However, the lungs' natural defenses can limit their effectiveness. The new biomimetic platform uses nanoparticles that mimic natural pulmonary surfactant. This approach helps the drug distribute more effectively throughout the lung.

Lead researcher Dr. Susana Carregal stated that 90% of the nanomedicine was retained in the lungs of mouse models. This high retention means less drug reaches other organs like the liver. Reduced systemic exposure helps minimize side effects.

This simplified synthesis method could advance inhaled treatments for lung diseases. It produces highly controlled and homogeneous nanomedicines. This development opens new possibilities for targeted respiratory therapies.