A multidisciplinary study for the exploitation of biodegradable nanocarriers for targetted drug delivery to preterm newborn lungs

In Belgium 7% of babies are born prematurely, which often results in the development of respiratory distress syndrome. In very preterm infants the subsequent lung damage can lead to clinically significant morbidities and mortality. Thus, there is a need for a better clinical management of this disease as the most potent therapy to date is the use of steroids. Yet follow up studies have shown that systemic administration of steroids increases the risk of impaired neurocognitive outcomes. In this project we propose to use biodegradable polymers and microbubbles, as carriers of steroids, for targeted drug delivery, using our well established rabbit model for preterm lung injury. Our preliminary tests show that microbubbles injected IV, via the jugular vein, or nebulised can successfully reach and accumulate in the lungs of 7 days old rabbit pups. Thus, this project will investigate the therapeutic potential of the proposed drug delivery system.

Keywords:microbubble, polymer, drug delivery, neonatal

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences