This review focuses on the development of micro- and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems to target alveolar macrophages in association with intracellular infections, cancer and lung inflammation. Aspects of nanoparticle and micron-sized particle engineering through exploitation of particles’ physicochemical characteristics such as particle size, surface charge and geometry of particles will be discussed in this review. In addition, the application of nano carriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and dendrimers will be included with respect to macrophage targeting.
