Unlocking the Brain: Smart Drug Delivery Systems for Neurological Disorders

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge in delivering drugs to the central nervous system (CNS), hindering the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's. The BBB's restrictive properties, including tight junctions and efflux transporters, limit the passage of large and small molecular weight drugs, with only 2% of small molecular weight drugs able to cross the BBB. To overcome this hurdle, researchers have developed various strategies, including invasive and non-invasive techniques, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, which have shown promising results in enhancing drug delivery to CNS.

The use of nanoparticles, in particular, has gained significant attention due to their ability to cross the BBB and deliver drugs directly to the brain. The mechanisms of nanoparticle transport across the BBB include adhesion to brain blood vessel walls, fluidization of BBB endothelium, opening of tight junctions, transcytosis, and endocytosis. Furthermore, the development of exosomes, which are natural nanoparticles, has opened up new avenues for drug delivery to the CNS.

While these advancements hold great promise, it is important to consider the ethical implications of drug delivery to the CNS. The use of nanoparticles and other drug delivery systems raises concerns about their potential toxicity and impact on the brain. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that these systems are designed and tested with safety and efficacy in mind. Ultimately, the development of effective drug delivery systems for the CNS has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, improving the lives of millions of people worldwide.