Inhalable Antibiotic Nanoformulations for the Treatment of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection in Cystic Fibrosis – A Review

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic lethal chronic disease, causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus. As a consequence following bacterial infections threaten ten thousands of people around the world every year. Available tests enable early diagnosis of CF. Nevertheless, current treatments can only serve to improve patient’s quality of life. Despite the fact that life span of CF patients is dramatically increased with comprehensive treatments during the last decades, there is no ultimate prevention or cure for CF. Chronic respiratory infections are known to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Since the airways provide direct access to these bacteria, it is an attractive target for drug delivery against bacterial infections in CF lung. Current pulmonary treatments are, however, limited since reaching the site of action is highly inhibited by the biofilm, which establishes an efficient obstacle for drug diffusion. Recent developments in nanotechnology have led many researchers to study different types of nanoparticles and nanoformulations for pulmonary drug delivery in the scope of providing a solution to current treatment bottlenecks. This review focuses on the development of nanoparticulate antibiotic pulmonary drug delivery systems for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected CF lungs.