Biomimetic pulmonary drug delivery systems for COVID-19 management: current status, challenges, and future perspectives

Abstract Background A biomimetic drug delivery system is a sophisticated method that mimics biological systems to deliver drugs to specific sites in the body. The development of biomimetic drug delivery systems holds significant promise for revolutionizing medicine by improving drug efficacy, patient adherence, and overall treatment outcomes. Main body Herein, we discuss various challenges to bioinspired pulmonary drug delivery, strategies to circumvent these challenges, and biomimetic carriers for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) management. By emulating natural biological processes, a pulmonary drug delivery system can enhance drug delivery to target sites in the body, such as the lungs, where COVID-19 primarily replicates. This targeted approach may improve the drug’s efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. By using biomimetic carriers, such as nanoparticles (NPs) or liposomes inspired by natural structures, researchers aim to develop a more precise and efficient drug delivery system to combat COVID-19. Such advancements could lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced drug dosages, and potentially quicker recovery times for individuals affected by the virus. In addition, owing to their low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and lower immunogenicity, cellular membranes, pulmonary surfactant (PS), and other macromolecular components used in pulmonary drug delivery were investigated. This evaluation is organized into four sections for clarity. We initially provide an overview of PS and its significance for lung drug delivery. Secondly, we examine the principal physiological obstacles that restrict pulmonary delivery. Third, we delineate formulations and biomimetic approaches to overcome these obstacles. Ultimately, we emphasize bioinspired carrier platforms for the management of COVID-19 and end with existing deficiencies and future outlooks. Conclusion Overall, the application of biomimetic drug delivery systems in COVID-19 management shows great promise in advancing treatment strategies for infectious diseases like the current pandemic.