Nanocarriers for Effective Brain Drug Delivery

Abstract

Drug delivery to the brain is an engaged research topic in the field of nanomedicine. The passage of therapeutics into the brain parenchyma is more complicated than other body tissues due to it is limited by restrict barrier structure called blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanotechnology holds great promise to overcome the BBB and thereby enable treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Nanocarriers have been investigated several times as effective brain drug delivery systems in the past few decades. Physicochemical properties and surface modifications of these carriers play a significant role in terms of brain up-taking of nanocarriers. Chemical structures of possible nano sized drug delivery systems have an importance in terms of interactions between cell membranes of brain endothelial cell lines and these interactions can be modified with surface coating strategies using suitable agents. Particle size, surface charge and total molecular mass are also crucial issues which require special attention in order to better understand appropriate properties of nanocarriers to overcome the BBB structure. Different strategies have been demonstrated to facilitate the passage of nanoparticles into the brain parenchyma including attachment of targeting ligands on the nanoparticles' surfaces; this attempt provides site specific action in the brain tissues. This study aims to provide a review of nanocarriers for effective brain drug delivery, in the light of current literature.

Neuronanomedicine: An Up-to-Date Overview

“…Delivering drugs to the brain represents a challenge because conventional neuropharmaceuticals do not possess the appropriate physicochemical characteristics regarding molecular size, lipid solubility, and surface charge [24]. Hence, owing to the capacity to modulate their interactions with endothelial cells in the brain through surface functionalization, various nanocarriers have been employed [25]. Therefore, the encapsulation of therapeutic and imaging agents into specific nanocarriers might overcome the challenges associated with the conventional delivery methods across the BBB [26].…”

Colloidal stability as a determinant of nanoparticle behavior in the brain

“…Nanoparticles can provide a vehicle for delivering therapeutics to overcome these barriers [3,4]. Nanoparticle platforms have been successful in effectively delivering drugs to the brain due to tailored control over nanoparticle physicochemical properties, in particular nanoparticle size, surface charge, and surface functionality [5,6].…”

Nanoparticle-conjugated nutraceuticals exert prospectively palliative of amyloid aggregation

“…84,85 The technique may provide an alternative way to augment drug transport through the BBB in neurodegenerative disorders. 86 In addition, by conjugating specific antibodies, nanoparticle may target specific regions. 87 Therefore, to address natural compounds for the brain via nanocarriers becomes a popular topic.…”