Physicochemical properties of nanoparticles affecting their fate and the physiological function of pulmonary surfactants

Pulmonary drug delivery has drawn great attention due to its targeted local lung action, reduced side ef-fects, and ease of administration. However, inhaled nanoparticles (NPs) could adsorb different pulmonary surfactants depending on their physicochemical properties, which may impair the physiological function of the pulmonary surfactants or alter the fate of the NPs. Thus, the objective of this review is to summa-rize how the physicochemical properties of NPs affecting the physiological function of pulmonary surfac-tants and their fate. First of all, the composition and characteristics of pulmonary surfactants, methods for studying pulmonary surfactant interaction with NPs are introduced. Thereafter, the influence of physico-chemical properties of NPs on hydrophobic protein adsorption and strategies to decrease the interaction of NPs with pulmonary surfactants are discussed. Finally, the influence of physicochemical properties of NPs on lipids and hydrophilic protein adsorption and consequently their fate is described. In conclusion, a better understanding of the interaction of NPs with pulmonary surfactants will promote the faster de-velopment of safe and effective nanomedicine for pulmonary drug delivery.Statement of significanceDrug delivery carriers often face complex body fluid components after entering the human body. Pul-monary surfactants diffuse at the lung gas-liquid interface, and particles inevitably interact with pul-monary surfactants after pulmonary nanomedicine delivery. This review presents an overview of how the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles affecting their fate and physiological function of pulmonary surfactants. We believe that the information included in this review can provide important guiding for the development of safe and effective pulmonary delivery nanocarriers.(c) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review summarizes how the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles affect the physiological function and fate of pulmonary surfactants. The composition and characteristics of pulmonary surfactants, as well as the methods for studying their interaction with nanoparticles, are introduced. The influence of nanoparticles' physicochemical properties on hydrophobic protein adsorption and strategies to decrease their interaction with pulmonary surfactants are discussed. The influence of nanoparticles' physicochemical properties on lipids and hydrophilic protein adsorption and their consequent fate is described.