Exploiting Nanoparticles for Blood-Brain Barrier Permeation: A Promising Paradigm in Neurotherapeutics

Authors: Shrisha SR, Bhuvana D and Rosilda S*

DOI: 10.23880/nnoaj-16000183

Volume 8, Issue 2

Abstract

Nano particles are widely used in the drug delivery systems to improve efficacy, bioavailability and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. They are typically ranging from the 1-100 nm in size and emerged as versatile tools in the field of drug delivery, revolutionizing the way therapeutic agents are transported and released within the human body. Role played by nanoparticles in crossing physiological barriers and enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic decisions. Nanoparticles exhibit unique physicochemical properties that enable them to navigate the intricate biological milieu and optimize drug delivery. The Blood Brain Barrier (BBB’s) intricate structure and its pivotal role in maintaining neural homeostasis Endothelial cells, tight junctions, and efflux transporters make up the majority of this specific barrier, which has historically made it difficult to deliver medications and therapeutic agents to the brain. These problems can only be solved by using nanoparticles’ unique physical and biological characteristics, which also provide a wide variety of nanocarriers and methods for improving BBB permeability. Nanoparticles use a variety of techniques to improve their interactions with the BBB, such as size optimization, surface charge alteration, and active targeting ligands the interplay of these mechanisms serves to overcome the physical and biochemical restrictions, allowing for controlled and targeted drug delivery to specific brain regions. The design and functionalization of nanoparticles play a pivotal role in their ability to traverse the BBB. Surface modifications, including ligand conjugation and coating with targeting moieties, enable specific interactions with BBB receptors, facilitating transcytosis and enhancing brain accumulation. Additionally, the size, shape, and surface charge of nanoparticles significantly influence their BBB permeation and bio distribution. Furthermore, nanoparticle-based strategies have shown promising results in delivering a spectrum of therapeutics, including chemotherapeutic agents, neuroprotective compounds, gene therapy vectors, and imaging agents, for various neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, and stroke. These approaches offer the potential for targeted and sustained drug release, minimizing systemic side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes. Nevertheless, challenges such as nanoparticle toxicity, stability, scalability, and clinical translation remain significant hurdles in harnessing their full potential for clinical neurotherapeutics. Addressing these limitations through innovative engineering approaches and comprehensive preclinical evaluations will be crucial for the successful translation of nanoparticle-based therapies for CNS disorders. The role of nanoparticles in crossing the BBB represents a transformative approach in the realm of neurotherapeutics. Their capacity to overcome biological barriers, enhance drug bioavailability in the brain, and reduce systemic side effects makes them a promising tool for the development of novel treatments for a wide range of neurological disorders.

Keywords: Nanoparticles; Blood Brain Barrier; Transferrin Pathway; Endocytosis; Drug Delivery System

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