Nanotheranostics in epilepsy: A perspective for multimodal diagnosis and strategic management

Abstract

Epilepsy is a common but a complex neurological disorder with limited practices for successful management due to the complicated neuronal network and lack of knowledge of epileptic pathophysiology. Theranostic systems such as implantable devices and biodegradable nanomaterials offer better tailor‐made methods for the detection and treatment using nanotechnology‐based approaches for patients with epilepsy. Miniaturized nano‐implantable devices and biosensors equipped with operations to mimic neurostimulation demonstrate excellent opportunities in profiling the disease and assist in comprehension of the relationship between the disease and host. This strategy is developed for diagnoses and mapping brain activities to integrate and target therapeutic nanosystems in epilepsy. Non‐invasive class of nanotheranostics such as biodegradable and stimuli‐responsive polymers includes nanomaterials that utilize bio‐physico‐chemical processes or stimuli as a source for detecting the state and progress of the disease. The superior form of nanotheranostics encompasses in‐situ diagnostics with triggered release at the specific site. This review article focuses on the nanotheranostic strategies for epilepsy, their implications, challenges and new potentials for detection and therapy in personalized medicine. The concept of “on‐demand” release of drugs at the site of action using bio‐responsive theranostic approach reveals a potential for developing a point of primary care for epilepsy in the future.

Antiepileptic drug-loaded and multifunctional iron oxide@silica@gelatin nanoparticles for acid-triggered drug delivery

“…In the current study, gelatin, as a smart polymer, displays a self-regulated release, in response to pH changes, while the magnetic core part of the NPs, as an externally addressable part, could be used for directing the delivery to the specific region. In the case of externally stimuli-regulated mechanisms, it has been demonstrated that microbubbles formed by ultrasound can open the tight junctions of BBB and help the medications enter CNS disorders 65 . In addition, non-invasive focused ultrasound therapy causes a reduction in the progression of epilepsy 65 .…”

“…In the case of externally stimuli-regulated mechanisms, it has been demonstrated that microbubbles formed by ultrasound can open the tight junctions of BBB and help the medications enter CNS disorders 65 . In addition, non-invasive focused ultrasound therapy causes a reduction in the progression of epilepsy 65 . Hence, the future direction of research in the field of smart multifunctional NPs for brain disorders with epileptic symptoms could be developing a novel technique for deeper penetration effects across the BBB (such as ultrasound-responsive neuromodulation) and facilitating the translation of the smart NPs from bench to clinic.…”

Fighting Epilepsy with Nanomedicines—Is This the Right Weapon?

“…Due to the fact that there are some concerns for human health due to the environmental problems regarding some metals, the concept of green metallic NPs has emerged and efforts have been made to produce metallic NPs with good safety profiles and low environmental impact [ 79 , 80 ]. Moreover, a highlight also goes to theragnostics, which are systems, including both applications of treatment and diagnosis [ 81 ]. An example is given by Long et al, as described later in this manuscript [ 82 ].…”

“…Moreover, antiseizure activity was also exhibited by the nanoformulation, confirming its use in theragnostics [ 82 ]. These agents are able to reduce the timespan for the treatment of epileptic patients, monitoring the biodistribution of the NPs in the body [ 81 ].…”

Recent advances in nanotherapeutics for epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases

“…In epilepsy, the microenvironment pH at the diseased site may shift from neutral to acidic or alkaline due to factors including hypoxia, inflammation, or excess carbonic acid. 10 PHresponsive nanocarriers, such as modified hydrogels, liposomes, and other nanoparticles, are functionalized with pH-sensitive agents. These nanocarriers effectively detect changes in pH and undergo physical changes, leading to the release of drugs specifically at the diseased site without affecting normal tissue.…”