Advances in brain drug targeting and delivery: limitations and challenges of solid lipid nanoparticles

Abstract

Introduction: With the advancement in the field of medical colloids and interfacial sciences, the life expectancy has been greatly improved. In addition, changes in the human lifestyle resulted in development of various organic and functional disorders. Central nervous system (CNS) disorders are most prevalent and increasing among population worldwide. The neurological disorders are multi-systemic and difficult to treat as portal entry to brain is restricted on account of its anatomical and physiological barrier.

Areas covered: The present review discusses the limitations to CNS drug delivery, and the various approaches to bypass the blood brain barrier (BBB), focusing on the potential use of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for drug targeting to brain. The methods currently in use for SLN production, physicochemical characterization and critical issues related to the formulation development suitable for targeting brain are also discussed.

Expert opinion: The potential advantages of the use of SLN over polymeric nanoparticles are due to their lower cytotoxicity, higher drug loading capacity and scalability. In addition, their production is cost effective and the systems provide a drug release in a controlled manner up to several weeks. Drug targeting potential of SLN can be enhanced by attaching ligands to their surface.

Keywords::

• blood brain barrier
• brain drug delivery
• brain targeting
• central nervous system
• neurodegenerative diseases
• solid lipid nanoparticles

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia do Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) under the research project PTDC/SAU-FAR/113100/2009.

Notes

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.