Chitosan microparticles with gelatin coating: targeted drug delivery for the lungs
A novel approach to targeted drug release in the lungs
Innovative therapeutics increasingly require highly specialized delivery systems. In the recent publication “Dual-sensitive gelatin-coated chitosan microparticles (GL-ChMPs) for targeted lung delivery”, researchers present a promising strategy: chitosan-based microparticles coated with gelatin that can transport drugs directly to the lungs – smart, sensitive, and efficient.
How does it work?
The authors developed gelatin-coated chitosan microparticles that respond to two stimuli: pH changes and proteolytic enzymes commonly present in inflamed lung tissue. This dual-sensitivity enables precise drug release exactly where it is needed – for example, in damaged or infected tissue – while minimizing undesired drug distribution throughout the body.
Advantages of this dual-sensitive approach:
High targeting precision: Release is triggered specifically in the lungs.
Reduced side effects: Minimal release in healthy tissues, lowering systemic exposure.
Controlled release kinetics: Flexible release patterns based on local pH and enzyme activity.
Potential applications
This approach opens new perspectives for the treatment of lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, or infectious conditions. Drugs can be delivered more effectively, more locally, and more gently - a clear benefit for both patients and healthcare providers.
Which type of chitosan was used?
The article itself does not specify the exact form of chitosan applied – such as molecular weight or degree of deacetylation. However, in comparable studies on microparticles for pulmonary drug delivery, researchers typically employ medium molecular weight chitosan (approximately 50-150 kDa) with a degree of deacetylation around 80-85%.
These characteristics offer an optimal balance between solubility, biocompatibility, and particle stability, making them particularly suitable for controlled drug release in the lungs. It is therefore highly likely that a similar type of chitosan was also used in this work.
Conclusion
The dual-sensitive GL-ChMP technology represents a highly promising step toward personalized lung therapies. By combining precision, efficiency, and biocompatibility, it embodies the qualities that are essential for next-generation drug delivery systems.
Source
Anwer, M., et al. (2025). Dual-sensitive gelatin-coated chitosan microparticles (GL-ChMPs) for targeted lung delivery. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.131040
First published on 10th of September2025
Revised on 10th of September 2025