Nanotechnology Based Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Neuroscience with Special Emphasis on Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is the second leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, for which no effective therapies are available. The increasing prevalence of ischemic stroke and related health risks, combined with the lack of effective therapies, highlight the desperate need for continued research for exploring the safe and effective drugs, which favourably influence multiple pathways leading to neuroprotection and extend the benefit to a larger number of patients diagnosed with stroke. Numerous preclinical studies have reported very promising results using "neuroprotectants", all of which have failed at clinical trials because of either safety issues or lack of efficacy. The delivery of many potentially therapeutic neuroprotectants and diagnostic compounds to specific areas of the brain is restricted by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles (NPs) have colossal applications that could revolutionize the treatment of ischemic stroke. NPs can readily transmigrate across the BBB without compromising its integrity. Recent striking developments in nanotechnology have produced a great deal of nano-devices, which could be used for the treatment and neuronal regeneration following ischemic stroke. This article attempts to convey the untapped potentials of nanopharmaceuticals for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Looking towards the future, this review focuses on the potential applications of nanoparticulate systems for the delivery of therapeutic cargo into the brain for imparting neuroprotection against ischemic stroke. This review also provides an overview of targeted NPs, which are being used for imaging, neuroprotection and regeneration of ischemic brain.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Ischemic Disorders Employing Carbon Nanotube Technology

“…CNTs are electrically and thermally conductive and have ultralight weight. They are highly flexible, very strong, and inert but can undergo chemical modification with various functional groups depending on their intended use [8][9][10]. CNTs structural backbone consists of carbon atoms which exhibit thermal and electronic conductivity including great strength.…”

“…CNTs presented themselves as excellent candidates for the development of electrodes, namely, microelectrode arrays (MEAs), based on their large surface area and outstanding electrical conductivity [8,58,76,77,82]. MEAs consist of metallic microelectrodes inserted in a substrate which is well aligned and connected to an electrical circuit.…”

“…It was demonstrated that acid-functionalized MWCNTs enhanced neuronal neurite outgrowth in neurons and rat pheochromocytoma cell line in culture media supplemented with nerve growth factor [8]. Cellular interactions with a scaffold could be affected by the size and structure of the scaffold generated from CNTs [109].…”

“…It is a cerebrovascular disorder whereby the brain is deprived of oxygen, nutrients, and glucose as a result of obstruction of the vessels supplying the brain [8,9]. Symptoms are usually sudden, within seconds to hours, and can include unilateral weakness or numbness of the face, arms, or legs, aphasia, visual impairment, dysarthria, confusion, loss of balance and coordination, difficulty with walking, and, in severe cases, even death.…”

The Permeability of Puerarin Loaded Poly(butylcyanoacrylate) Nanoparticles Coated with Polysorbate 80 on the Blood–Brain Barrier and Its Protective Effect against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

“…[2][3][4] A thrombus occluding a brain artery is the leading mechanism underlying ischemic stroke, 5) which accounts for approximately 70-85% of all stroke 6) and no effective therapies are available. 7) The safe and effective drugs have been the research focus of ischemic stroke therapy.…”