Development of an inhalable nanomedicine for lung cancer

However, the main challenge is maintaining the stability and functionality of NPs. Herein, RALA peptide that had been successfully incorporated into different formulations, e.g. wound patch and hydrogel, was used to condense plasmid DNA (pEGFP-N1) into NPs, followed by spray drying to produce inhalable powder as a proof of concept of gene therapy for lung cancer treatment. The functionality of RALA/pEGFP-N1 NPs was evaluated in subcutaneous connective tissue and adenocarcinoma human alveolar epithelial cells.

RALA peptide was highly efficient at condensing and delivering pEGFP-N1 into cells and resulted in gene expression in the selected cell lines. Thereafter, inhalable RALA/pEGFP-N1 NPs were produced via spray drying using a nano-spray dryer, resulting in the maintained stability and functionality of RALA/pEGFP-N1 NPs. These findings revealed that spray drying process also generated desired powder characteristics, even at low-temperature drying and without any aerosolisation enhancer.

Successful optimisation to produce inhalable powder containing functional NPs was achieved through the design of experiments approach.<br><br><i>Thesis embargoed until 31 July 2027.</i>