How Precise are Nanomedicines in Overcoming the Blood–Brain Barrier? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Abstract

New nanotechnology strategies for enhancing drug delivery in brain disorders have recently received increasing attention from drug designers. The treatment of neurological conditions, including brain tumors, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), may be greatly influenced by nanotechnology. Numerous studies on neurodegeneration have demonstrated the effective application of nanomaterials in the treatment of brain illnesses. Nanocarriers (NCs) have made it easier to deliver drugs precisely to where they are needed. Thus, the most effective use of nanomaterials is in the treatment of various brain diseases, as this amplifies the overall impact of medication and emphasizes the significance of nanotherapeutics through gene therapy, enzyme replacement therapy, and blood-barrier mechanisms. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of multifunctional nanotherapeutic agents, a promising treatment for brain disorders. This novel method reduces the side effects and improves treatment outcomes. This review critically assesses efficient nano-based systems in light of obstacles and outstanding achievements. Nanocarriers that transfer medications across the blood-brain barrier and nano-assisted therapies, including nano-immunotherapy, nano-gene therapy, nano enzyme replacement therapy, scaffolds, and 3D to 6D printing, have been widely explored for the treatment of brain disorders. This study aimed to evaluate existing literature regarding the use of nanotechnology in the development of drug delivery systems that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver therapeutic agents to treat various brain disorders.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• drug delivery
• nanomedicine
• nano-therapeutics
• nanocarriers
• blood-brain barrier

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for the research grant support toward the project titled “Formulation and characterization of diabetic wound healing gauze using PDGF-eugenol nanocomposites for Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) – A 3D bioprinting approach” (file no. EM/Dev/SG/144/2109/2023). Priyadarshini Mohapatra also immensely acknowledge ICMR, Government of India for Senior Research Fellowship [File No. 3/2/2/45/2020-NCD-lll] and Vellore Institute of Technology for giving the laboratory facilities to carry out the research work.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.