Lactoferrin-modified PEG-co-PCL nanoparticles for enhanced brain delivery of NAP peptide following intranasal administration

Borneol and lactoferrin dual-modified crocetin-loaded nanoliposomes enhance neuroprotection in HT22 cells and brain targeting in mice

Crocetin (CCT), a natural bioactive compound extracted and purified from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb saffron, has been shown to play a role in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly depression. However, due to challenges with solubility, targeting, and bioavailability, formulation development and clinical use of CCT are severely limited. In this study, we used the emulsification-reverse volatilization method to prepare CCT-loaded nanoliposomes (CN). We further developed a borneol (Bor) and lactoferrin (Lf) dual-modified CCT-loaded nanoliposome (BLCN) for brain-targeted delivery of CCT. The results of transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size analysis indicated that the size of BLCN (∼140 nm) was suitable for transcellular transport across olfactory axons (∼200 nm), potentially paving a direct path to the brain. Studies on lipid solubility, micropolarity, and hydrophobicity showed that BLCN had a relatively high Lf grafting rate (81.11 ± 1.33 %) and CCT entrapment efficiency (83.60 ± 1.04 %) compared to other liposomes, likely due to Bor improving the lipid solubility of Lf, and the combination promoting the orderly arrangement of liposome membrane molecules. Microplate reader and fluorescence microscopy analysis showed that BLCN efficiently promoted the endocytosis of fluorescent coumarin 6 into HT22 cells with a maximal fluorescence intensity of (13.48 ± 0.80 %), which was significantly higher than that of CCT (5.73 ± 1.17 %) and CN (12.13 ± 1.01 %). BLCN also exhibited sustained function, remaining effective for more than 12 h after reaching a peak at 1 h in cells, while CN showed a significant decrease after 4 h. The uptake mechanisms of BLCN in HT22 cells mainly involve energy-dependent, caveolae-mediated, and microtubule-mediated endocytosis, as well as micropinocytosis. Furthermore, BLCN displayed a significant neuroprotective effect on HT22 cells in glutamate-, corticosterone-, and H2O2-induced models. Tissue fluorescence image analysis of mice showed that BLCN exhibited substantial retention of fluorescent DiR in the brain after nasal administration for 12 h. These findings suggest that CCT has the potential for cellular uptake, neuroprotection, and targeted delivery to the brain following intranasal administration when encapsulated in Bor and Lf dual-modified nanoliposomes.

Development of a brain-targeted nano drug delivery system to enhance the treatment of neurodegenerative effects of resveratrol

As the aging population continues to increase, aging-related inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative diseases have become serious global health threats. Resveratrol, a star molecule in natural polyphenols, has been widely reported to have physiological activities such as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotection. However, its poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, low bioavailability and poor targeting ability, which limits its application. Accordingly, a brain-targeted resveratrol liposome (ANG-RES-LIP) was developed to solve these issues. Experimental results showed that ANG-RES-LIP has a uniform size distribution, good biocompatibility, and a drug encapsulation rate of over 90%. Furthermore, in vitro cell experiments showed that the modification of the targeting ligand ANG significantly increased the capability of RES to cross the BBB and neuronal uptake. Compared with free RES, ANG-RES-LIP demonstrated stronger antioxidant activity and the ability to rescue oxidatively damaged cells from apoptosis. Additionally, ANG-RES-LIP showed the ability to repair damaged neuronal mitochondrial membrane potential. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that ANG-RES-LIP improved cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation levels in the brains of aging model mice, repairing damaged neurons and glial cells, and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor. In summary, this study not only provides a new method for further development and application of resveratrol but also a promising strategy for preventing and treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Advanced Noninvasive Strategies for the Brain Delivery of Therapeutic Proteins and Peptides

Recent years have witnessed rapid progress in the discovery of therapeutic proteins and peptides for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, their clinical applications have been considerably hindered by challenges such as low biomembrane permeability, poor stability, short circulation time, and the formidable blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recently, substantial improvements have been made in understanding the dynamics of the BBB and developing efficient approaches for delivering proteins and peptides to the CNS, especially by using various nanoparticles. Herein, we present an overview of the up-to-date understanding of the BBB under physiological and pathological conditions, emphasizing their effects on brain drug delivery. We summarize advanced strategies and elucidate the underlying mechanisms for delivering proteins and peptides to the brain. We highlight the developments and applications of nanocarriers in treating CNS diseases via BBB crossing. We also provide critical opinions on the limitations and obstacles of the current strategies and put forward prospects for future research.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles: From Classification to Application and Toxicity

Nanoparticles are structures that possess unique properties with high surface area-to-volume ratio. Their small size, up to 100 nm, and potential for surface modifications have enabled their use in a wide range of applications. Various factors influence the properties and applications of NPs, including the synthesis method and physical attributes such as size and shape. Additionally, the materials used in the synthesis of NPs are primary determinants of their application. Based on the chosen material, NPs are generally classified into three categories: organic, inorganic, and carbon-based. These categories include a variety of materials, such as proteins, polymers, metal ions, lipids and derivatives, magnetic minerals, and so on. Each material possesses unique attributes that influence the activity and application of the NPs. Consequently, certain NPs are typically used in particular areas because they possess higher efficiency along with tenable toxicity. Therefore, the classification and the base material in the NP synthesis hold significant importance in both NP research and application. In this paper, we discuss these classifications, exemplify most of the major materials, and categorize them according to their preferred area of application. This review provides an overall review of the materials, including their application, and toxicity.

Polymeric nanoparticles: A promising strategy for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), is characterised by two major hallmarks: the formation of extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, thus leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. These hallmarks cause synaptic loss, neuronal damage, and the development of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which promote AD progression. Thus, the goal of treating AD is eliminating these hallmarks, to prevent AD progression and decrease symptoms. However, current available therapies provide symptomatic relief rather than treating the underlying cause of the disease, because the restrictive nature of the blood brain barrier (BBB) impedes the entry of drugs, thereby affecting drug efficacy and bioavailability. Researchers are focusing on developing new therapeutic approaches to bypass the BBB, for achieving site-specific drug delivery with the highest possible bioavailability and the lowest adverse effects. Recently explored therapeutic strategies include use of biologic agents such as monoclonal antibodies. Aducanumab, a strong candidate for treating AD, has been granted accelerated Food and Drug Administration approval; however, safety concerns may hinder its future use. Thus, nanotechnological approaches have led to a new era of AD treatment. Nanoparticles (NPs), because of their small particle size, can cross the BBB, thus enhancing drug pharmacokinetic properties and enabling targeted drug delivery. Polymeric NPs have been extensively studied, because of their simple production, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and unique architecture. These NPs provide a flexible vesicle that can be easily tailored to achieve desired physicochemical features. In this review, various types of polymer-based-NPs are discussed, highlighting the properties of fabricated NPs, which have multiple benefits in AD treatment, including anti-amyloid, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Advances and future perspectives of intranasal drug delivery: A scientometric review

Intranasal drug delivery is as a noninvasive and efficient approach extensively utilized for treating the local, central nervous system, and systemic diseases. Despite numerous reviews delving into the application of intranasal drug delivery across biomedical fields, a comprehensive analysis of advancements and future perspectives remains elusive. This review elucidates the research progress of intranasal drug delivery through a scientometric analysis. It scrutinizes several challenges to bolster research in this domain, encompassing a thorough exploration of entry and elimination mechanisms specific to intranasal delivery, the identification of drugs compatible with the nasal cavity, the selection of dosage forms to surmount limited drug-loading capacity and poor solubility, and the identification of diseases amenable to the intranasal delivery strategy. Overall, this review furnishes a perspective aimed at galvanizing future research and development concerning intranasal drug delivery.

Nose-to-brain delivery of nanotherapeutics: Transport mechanisms and applications

The blood-brain barrier presents a key limitation to the administration of therapeutic molecules for the treatment of brain disease. While drugs administered orally or intravenously must cross this barrier to reach brain targets, the unique anatomical structure of the olfactory system provides a route to deliver drugs directly to the brain. Entering the brain via receptor, carrier, and adsorption-mediated transcytosis in the nasal olfactory and trigeminal regions has the potential to increase drug delivery. In this review, we introduce the physiological and anatomical structures of the nasal cavity, and summarize the possible modes of transport and the relevant receptors and carriers in the nose-to-brain pathway. Additionally, we provide examples of nanotherapeutics developed for intranasal drug delivery to the brain. Further development of nanoparticles that can be applied to intranasal delivery systems promises to improve drug efficacy and reduce drug resistance and adverse effects by increasing molecular access to the brain. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease.

Nanotechnology for enhanced nose-to-brain drug delivery in treating neurological diseases

Despite the increasing global incidence of brain disorders, achieving sufficient delivery towards the central nervous system (CNS) remains a formidable challenge in terms of translating into improved clinical outcomes. The brain is highly safeguarded by physiological barriers, primarily the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which routinely excludes most therapeutics from entering the brain following systemic administration. Among various strategies investigated to circumvent this challenge, intranasal administration, a noninvasive method that bypasses the BBB to allow direct access of drugs to the CNS, has been showing promising results. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, in particular, have demonstrated remarkable capacities in overcoming the challenges posed by nose-to-brain drug delivery and facilitating targeted drug accumulation within the brain while minimizing side effects of systemic distribution. This review comprehensively summarizes the barriers of nose-to-brain drug delivery, aiming to enhance our understanding of potential physiological obstacles and improve the efficacy of nasal delivery in future trials. We then highlight cutting-edge nanotechnology-based studies that enhance nose-to-brain drug delivery in three key aspects, demonstrating substantial potential for improved treatment of brain diseases. Furthermore, the attention towards clinical studies will ease the regulatory approval process for nasal administration of nanomedicines targeting brain disease.

Recent Advances in Delivery of Peptide and Protein Therapeutics to the Brain

The classes of neuropharmaceuticals known as proteins and peptides serve as diagnostic tools and are involved in specific communication in the peripheral and central nervous systems. However, due to tight junctions resembling epithelial cells found in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo, they are typically excluded from transport from the blood to the brain. The drugs having molecular weight of less than 400 Dalton are able to cross the BBB via lipid-mediated free diffusion. However, large molecule therapeutics are devoid of these characteristics. As an alternative, these substances may be carried via chimeric peptide drug delivery systems, and assist in transcytosis through BBB with the aid of linker strategies. With their recent developments, several forms of nanoparticles, including poly (ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers, nanogels, liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles, chitosan, and solid lipid nanoparticles, have also been considered for their therapeutic applications. Moreover, the necessity for physiologic optimization of current drug delivery methods and their carriers to deliver therapeutic doses of medication into the brain for the treatment of various neurologic illnesses has also been emphasized. Therapeutic use of proteins and peptides has no neuroprotective impact in the absence of all these methods. Each tactic, however, has unique drawbacks and considerations. In this review, we discuss different drug delivery methods for therapeutic distribution of pharmaceuticals, primarily neuroproteins and neuropeptides, through endothelial capillaries via blood-brain barrier. Finally, we have also discussed the challenges and future perspective of protein and peptide therapeutics delivery to the brain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Very few reports on the delivery of therapeutic protein and peptide nanoformulations are available in the literature. Herein, we attempted to discuss these nanoformulations of protein and peptide therapeutics used to treat brain diseases.

Nose-to-Brain (N2B) Delivery: An Alternative Route for the Delivery of Biologics in the Management and Treatment of Central Nervous System Disorders

In recent years, there have been a growing number of small and large molecules that could be used to treat diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Nose-to-brain delivery can be a potential option for the direct transport of molecules from the nasal cavity to different brain areas. This review aims to provide a compilation of current approaches regarding drug delivery to the CNS via the nose, with a focus on biologics. The review also includes a discussion on the key benefits of nasal delivery as a promising alternative route for drug administration and the involved pathways or mechanisms. This article reviews how the application of various auxiliary agents, such as permeation enhancers, mucolytics, in situ gelling/mucoadhesive agents, enzyme inhibitors, and polymeric and lipid-based systems, can promote the delivery of large molecules in the CNS. The article also includes a discussion on the current state of intranasal formulation development and summarizes the biologics currently in clinical trials. It was noted that significant progress has been made in this field, and these are currently being applied to successfully transport large molecules to the CNS via the nose. However, a deep mechanistic understanding of this route, along with the intimate knowledge of various excipients and their interactions with the drug and nasal physiology, is still necessary to bring us one step closer to developing effective formulations for nasal-brain drug delivery.

Intranasal Drug Delivery by Nanotechnology: Advances in and Challenges for Alzheimer's Disease Management

Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition, is characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive functions. Current treatment approaches primarily involve the administration of medications through oral, parenteral, and transdermal routes, aiming to improve cognitive function and alleviate symptoms. However, these treatments face limitations, such as low bioavailability and inadequate permeation. Alternative invasive methods, while explored, often entail discomfort and require specialized assistance. Therefore, the development of a non-invasive and efficient delivery system is crucial. Intranasal delivery has emerged as a potential solution, although it is constrained by the unique conditions of the nasal cavity. An innovative approach involves the use of nano-carriers based on nanotechnology for intranasal delivery. This strategy has the potential to overcome current limitations by providing enhanced bioavailability, improved permeation, effective traversal of the blood-brain barrier, extended retention within the body, and precise targeting of the brain. The comprehensive review focuses on the advancements in designing various types of nano-carriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, Quantum dots, and dendrimers. These nano-carriers are specifically tailored for the intranasal delivery of therapeutic agents aimed at combatting Alzheimer's disease. In summary, the development and utilization of intranasal delivery systems based on nanotechnology show significant potential in surmounting the constraints of current Alzheimer's disease treatment strategies. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge regulatory as well as toxicity concerns associated with this route; meticulous consideration is required when engineering a carrier. This comprehensive review underscores the potential to revolutionize Alzheimer's disease management and highlights the importance of addressing regulatory considerations for safe and effective implementations. Embracing this strategy could lead to substantial advancements in the field of Alzheimer's disease treatment.

Nose to Brain Delivery of Transferrin conjugated PLGA nanoparticles for clonidine

The present work focuses on the development of surface modified transferrin PLGA nanoparticles loaded with clonidine for nose to brain delivery. The CLD-Tf-PLGA-NPs were developed using double emulsification, followed by solvent evaporation and characterization. Particle size, PDI and Zeta potential of the nanoparticles was 199.5 ± 1.36 nm, 0.291, -17.4 ± 6.29 mV respectively with EE% 86.2 ± 2.12 %, and DL%, 7.8 ± 0.48 %. TEM, SEM and FTIR analysis were carried out to confirm the size and transferrin coating over the surface of nanoparticles. In-vitro drug release profile were studied in PBS (pH 7.4) and SNF (pH 5.5) for 72 h and highest release was observed in PBS 89.54 ± 3.17 %. Cellular assays were conducted on Neuro-2a cells to check the cytotoxicity and uptake of Tf-modified PLGA nanoparticles and the cell viability% was obtained to be 61.85 ± 4.48 % even at maximum concentration (40Cmax) with uptake of approximately 97 %. Histopathological studies were also performed to identify the cytotoxicity on nasal epithelium along with in-vivo biodistribution and pharmacodynamics studies to assess the concentration of drug in the mice brain and behavioural responses after intranasal delivery of surface modified nanoparticles. The results showed significant increase in concentration of drug in brain and behavioural improvements in mice (p < 0.05).

Parental folic acid deficiency delays neurobehavioral development in rat offspring by inhibiting the differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons

Maternal folate status during pregnancy is associated with the neurodevelopment of offspring; however, study results on the association between paternal folate status and offspring neurodevelopment are inconsistent. This study aimed to explore whether parental folic acid deficiency affects the neurobehavioral development of offspring by affecting the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons. In the present study, the offspring were divided into four groups: parental folic acid deficient group (D-D), maternal folic acid deficient and paternal folic acid normal group (D-N), maternal folic acid normal and paternal folic acid deficient group (N-D), and parental folic acid normal group (N-N). For in vivo study, neurobehavioral indexes, and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in the brain hippocampus and cerebral cortex of offspring were measured at different time points. For in vitro study, NSCs were cultured from the hippocampus and striatum, and neuronal and astrocytic differentiation were measured. The results demonstrated that parental folic acid deficiency decreased the brain folate level in offspring, delayed early sensory-motor reflex development, impaired spatial learning and memory ability in adolescence and adulthood, decreased differentiation of NSCs into neurons and increased differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes in vivo and in vitro. These impacts on the neurodevelopment of offspring were most pronounced in D-D group, followed by D-N group and N-D group. In conclusion, parental folic acid deficiency inhibits the neurobehavioral development of offspring, possibly by inhibiting the differentiation of NSCs into neurons.

Near-Infrared Afterglow ONOO--Triggered Nanoparticles for Real-Time Monitoring and Treatment of Early Ischemic Stroke

Early detection and drug intervention with the appropriate timing and dosage are the main clinical challenges for ischemic stroke (IS) treatment. The conventional therapeutic agents relay fluorescent signals, which require real-time external light excitation, thereby leading to inevitable autofluorescence and poor tissue penetration. Herein, we report endogenous peroxynitrite (ONOO-)-activated BDP-4/Cur-CL NPs that release NIR afterglow signals (λmax 697 nm) for real-time monitoring of the progression of ischemia reperfusion (I/R) brain injury while releasing curcumin for the safe treatment of IS. The BDP-4/Cur-CL NPs exhibited bright NIR afterglow luminescence (maximum 732-fold increase), superb sensitivity (LOD = 82.67 nM), high energy-transfer efficiency (94.6%), deep tissue penetration (20 mm), outstanding antiapoptosis, and anti-inflammatory effects. The activated NIR afterglow signal obtained in mice with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) showed three functions: (i) the BDP-4/Cur-CL NPs are rapidly activated by endogenous ONOO-, instantly illuminating the lesion area, distinguishing I/R damage from normal areas, which can be successfully used for endogenous ONOO- detection in the early stage of IS; (ii) real-time reporting of in situ generation and dynamic fluctuations of endogenous ONOO- levels in the lesion area, which is of great value in monitoring the evolutionary mechanisms of IS; and (iii) dynamic monitoring of the release of curcumin drug for safe treatment. Indeed, the released curcumin effectively decreased apoptosis, enhanced survival, alleviated neuroinflammation, reduced brain tissue loss, and improved the cognition of MCAO stroke mice. This work is the first example of afterglow luminescence for early diagnosis, real-time reporting, drug tracing, and treatment for IS.

Levodopa-loaded nanoparticles for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) resulting in dopamine (DA) deficiency, which manifests itself in motor symptoms including tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia. Current PD treatments aim at symptom reduction through oral delivery of levodopa (L-DOPA), a precursor of DA. However, L-DOPA delivery to the brain is inefficient and increased dosages are required as the disease progresses, resulting in serious side effects like dyskinesias. To improve PD treatment efficacy and to reduce side effects, recent research focuses on the encapsulation of L-DOPA into polymeric- and lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs). These formulations can protect L-DOPA from systemic decarboxylation into DA and improve L-DOPA delivery to the central nervous system. Additionally, NPs can be modified with proteins, peptides and antibodies specifically targeting the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thereby reducing required dosages and free systemic DA. Alternative delivery approaches for NP-encapsulated L-DOPA include intravenous (IV) administration, transdermal delivery using adhesive patches and direct intranasal administration, facilitating increased therapeutic DA concentrations in the brain. This review provides an overview of the recent advances for NP-mediated L-DOPA delivery to the brain, and debates challenges and future perspectives on the field.

The Potential of the Nose-to-Brain Delivery of PACAP for the Treatment of Neuronal Disease

Research on the neuroprotective effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its use as a therapeutic agent has grown over the past 30 years. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that PACAP exerts a strong neuroprotective effect in many central and peripheral neuronal diseases. Various delivery routes have been employed from intravenous (IV) injections to intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration, leading either to systemic or topical delivery of the peptide. Over the last decade, a growing interest in the use of intranasal (IN) administration of PACAP and other therapeutic agents has emerged as an alternative delivery route to target the brain. The aim of this review is to summarize the findings on the neuroprotective effect of PACAP and to discuss how the IN administration of PACAP could contribute to target the effects of this pleiotropic peptide.

3D bioprinting patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell models of Alzheimer's disease using a smart bioink

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is becoming increasingly prevalent as our population ages. It is characterized by the buildup of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated-tau. The current treatments for AD do not prevent the long-term progression of the disease and pre-clinical models often do not accurately represent its complexity. Bioprinting combines cells and biomaterials to create 3D structures that replicate the native tissue environment and can be used as a tool in disease modeling or drug screening.

METHODS

This work differentiated both healthy and diseased patient-derived human induced pluripotent stems cells (hiPSCs) into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) that were bioprinted using the Aspect RX1 microfluidic printer into dome-shaped constructs. The combination of cells, bioink, and puromorphamine (puro)-releasing microspheres were used to mimic the in vivo environment and direct the differentiation of the NPCs into basal forebrain-resembling cholinergic neurons (BFCN). These tissue models were then characterized for cell viability, immunocytochemistry, and electrophysiology to evaluate their functionality and physiology for use as disease-specific neural models.

RESULTS

Tissue models were successfully bioprinted and the cells were viable for analysis after 30- and 45-day cultures. The neuronal and cholinergic markers β-tubulin III (Tuj1), forkhead box G1 (FOXG1), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were identified as well as the AD markers amyloid beta and tau. Further, immature electrical activity was observed when the cells were excited with potassium chloride and acetylcholine.

CONCLUSIONS

This work shows the successful development of bioprinted tissue models incorporating patient derived hiPSCs. Such models can potentially be used as a tool to screen promising drug candidates for treating AD. Further, this model could be used to increase the understanding of AD progression. The use of patient derived cells also shows the potential of this model for use in personalized medicine applications.

Nose-to-brain delivery of self-assembled curcumin-lactoferrin nanoparticles: Characterization, neuroprotective effect and in vivo pharmacokinetic study

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenol extract with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which indicates its great potential for neuroprotection. Lactoferrin (LF), a commonly used oral carrier and targeting ligand, has not been reported as a multifunctional nanocarrier for nose-to-brain delivery. This study aims to develop a nose-to-brain delivery system of curcumin-lactoferrin nanoparticles (CUR-LF NPs) and to further evaluate the neuroprotective effects in vitro and brain accumulation in vivo. Herein, CUR-LF NPs were prepared by the desolvation method with a particle size of 84.8 ± 6.5 nm and a zeta potential of +22.8 ± 4.3 mV. The permeability coefficient of CUR-LF NPs (4.36 ± 0.79 × 10−6 cm/s) was 50 times higher than that of CUR suspension (0.09 ± 0.04 × 10−6 cm/s) on MDCK monolayer, indicating that the nanoparticles could improve the absorption efficiency of CUR in the nasal cavity. Moreover, CUR-LF NPs showed excellent protection against Aβ25-35-induced nerve damage in PC12 cells. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the brain-targeting efficiency of CUR-LF NPs via IN administration was 248.1%, and the nose-to-brain direct transport percentage was 59.7%. Collectively, nose-to-brain delivery of CUR-LF NPs is capable of achieving superior brain enrichment and potential neuroprotective effects.

Recent Advances on PEO-PCL Block and Graft Copolymers as Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery Applications

Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEO-PCL) is a family of block (or graft) copolymers with several biomedical applications. These types of copolymers are well-known for their good biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, being ideal for biomedical applications and for the formation of a variety of nanosystems intended for controlled drug release. The aim of this review is to present the applications and the properties of different nanocarriers derived from PEO-PCL block and graft copolymers. Micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, drug conjugates, nanocapsules, and hybrid polymer-lipid nanoparticles, such as hybrid liposomes, are the main categories of PEO-PCL based nanocarriers loaded with different active ingredients. The advantages and the limitations in preclinical studies are also discussed in depth. PEO-PCL based nanocarriers could be the next generation of delivery systems with fast clinical translation. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of the PEO-PCL based nanocarriers are highlighted.

Transferrin-modified chitosan nanoparticles for targeted nose-to-brain delivery of proteins

Nose-to-brain delivery presents a promising alternative route compared to classical blood-brain barrier passage, especially for the delivery of high molecular weight drugs. In general, macromolecules are rapidly degraded in physiological environment. Therefore, nanoparticulate systems can be used to protect biomolecules from premature degradation. Furthermore, targeting ligands on the surface of nanoparticles are able to improve bioavailability by enhancing cellular uptake due to specific binding and longer residence time. In this work, transferrin-decorated chitosan nanoparticles are used to evaluate the passage of a model protein through the nasal epithelial barrier in vitro. It was demonstrated that strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction can be utilized to attach a functional group to both transferrin and chitosan enabling a rapid covalent surface-conjugation under mild reaction conditions after chitosan nanoparticle preparation. The intactness of transferrin and its binding efficiency were confirmed via SDS-PAGE and SPR measurements. Resulting transferrin-decorated nanoparticles exhibited a size of about 110-150 nm with a positive surface potential. Nanoparticles with the highest amount of surface bound targeting ligand also displayed the highest cellular uptake into a human nasal epithelial cell line (RPMI 2650). In an air-liquid interface co-culture model with glioblastoma cells (U87), transferrin-decorated nanoparticles showed a faster passage through the epithelial cell layer as well as increased cellular uptake into glioblastoma cells. These findings demonstrate the beneficial characteristics of a specific targeting ligand. With this chemical and technological formulation concept, a variety of targeting ligands can be attached to the surface after nanoparticle formation while maintaining cargo integrity.

"Guide" of muscone modification enhanced brain-targeting efficacy and anti-glioma effect of lactoferrin modified DTX liposomes

Glioma is one of the most aggressive malignant diseases for human health. It is difficult to resect completely due to their invasiveness. The targeted delivery, as a noninvasive approach, is a major strategy for the development of treatments for brain tumors. Lactoferrin (Lf) receptors are over-expressed in both brain endothelial cells and glioma cells. Macromolecular Lf modified nanoparticles have been shown to enhance the brain targeting. Muscone is a "guide" drug that have been demonstrated to promote liposomes into the brain by modification. To further enhance the brain-targeting efficacy of Lf modified carriers, we designed that Lf and muscone dual-modified liposomes cross blood-brain barrier (BBB) and target to brain for enhanced docetaxel (DTX) brain delivery. The results showed that we successfully prepared Lf and muscone dual-modified liposomes (Lf-LP-Mu-DTX), the number of Lf molecules connected to the surface of per liposome was 28. Lf-LP-Mu-DTX increased uptake in both U87-MG cells and hCMEC/D3 cells, enhanced penetration of U87-MG tumor spheroid and in vitro BBB model, had better in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects. In conclusion, "guide" of muscone modification enhanced brain-targeting efficacy of Lf modified liposomes, Lf and muscone dual-modified docetaxel loaded liposomes present a potential brain-targeting drug delivery system for use in the future treatment of gliomas.

Biomaterials-Enhanced Intranasal Delivery of Drugs as a Direct Route for Brain Targeting

Intranasal (IN) drug delivery is a non-invasive and effective route for the administration of drugs to the brain at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and minimizing adverse side effects. IN drug delivery can be particularly promising for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The drug delivery mechanism involves the initial drug penetration through the nasal epithelial barrier, followed by drug diffusion in the perivascular or perineural spaces along the olfactory or trigeminal nerves, and final extracellular diffusion throughout the brain. A part of the drug may be lost by drainage through the lymphatic system, while a part may even enter the systemic circulation and reach the brain by crossing the BBB. Alternatively, drugs can be directly transported to the brain by axons of the olfactory nerve. To improve the effectiveness of drug delivery to the brain by the IN route, various types of nanocarriers and hydrogels and their combinations have been proposed. This review paper analyzes the main biomaterials-based strategies to enhance IN drug delivery to the brain, outlining unsolved challenges and proposing ways to address them.

Chronic treatment with baicalein alleviates behavioural disorders and improves cerebral blood flow via reverting metabolic abnormalities in a J20 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Baicalein (BE) has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been reported able to improve cerebral blood circulation in brain ischemic injury. However, its chronic efficacy and metabolomics in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain unknown. In this study, BE at 80 mg/kg was administrated through the oral route in J20 AD transgenic mice aged from aged 4 months to aged 10 months. Metabolic- and neurobehavioural phenotyping was done before and after 6 months' treatment to evaluate the drug efficacy and the relevant mechanisms. Meanwhile, molecular docking was used to study the binding affinity of BE and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) which is related to neuronal injury. The open field test showed that BE could suppress hyperactivity in J20 mice and increase the frequency of the target quadrant crossing in the Morris Water Maze test. More importantly, BE restored cerebral blood flow back to the normal level after the chronic treatment. A ¹H NMR-based metabolomics study showed that BE treatment could restore the tricarboxylic acid cycle in plasma. And such a treatment could suppress oxidative stress, inhibit neuroinflammation, alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction, improve neurotransmission, and restore amino homeostasis via starch and sucrose metabolism and glycolipid metabolism in the cortex and hippocampus, which could affect the behavioural and cerebral blood flow. These findings showed that BE is a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery to Brain: Interventions of Surface Modification

Brain disorders are a prevalent and rapidly growing problem in the medical field as they adversely affect the quality of life of a human. With an increase in life expectancy, it has been reported that diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke and brain tumors, along with neuropsychological disorders, are also being reported at an alarmingly high rate. Despite various therapeutic methods for treating brain disorders, drug delivery to the brain has been challenging because of a very complex Blood Brain Barrier, which precludes most drugs from entering the brain in effective concentrations. Nano-carrier-based drug delivery systems have been reported widely by researchers to overcome this barrier layer. These systems due to their small size, offer numerous advantages; however, their short residence time in the body owing to opsonization hinders their success in vivo. This review article focuses on the various aspects of modifying the surfaces of these nano-carriers with polymers, surfactants, protein, antibodies, cell-penetrating peptides, integrin binding peptides and glycoproteins such as transferrin & lactoferrin leading to enhanced residence time, desirable characteristics such as the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), increased bioavailability in regions of the brain and targeted drug delivery.

Current approaches to facilitate improved drug delivery to the central nervous system

Although many pharmaceuticals have therapeutic potentials for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, few of these agents have been effectively administered. It is due to the fact that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSF) restrict them from crossing the brain to exert biological activity. This article reviews the current approaches aiming to improve penetration across these barriers for effective drug delivery to the CNS. These issues are summarized into direct systemic delivery and invasive delivery, including the BBB disruption and convection enhanced delivery. Furthermore, novel drug delivery systems used at the nanoscale, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, and micelles are discussed. These nanocarriers could contribute to a breakthrough in the treatment of many different CNS diseases. However, further broadened studies are needed to assess the biocompatibility and safety of these medical devices.

Recent trends of bioconjugated nanomedicines through nose-to-brain delivery for neurological disorders

The global burden of neurological disorders has been increasing day by day which calls for immediate attention to the solutions. Novel drug delivery systems are one of the alternatives that we count on to counteract these disorders. As the blood-brain barrier creates a significant hindrance to the delivery of drugs across the endothelium lining of the brain, nose-to-brain delivery has been the favorite option to administer such drugs. In recent times, bioconjugation has been viewed as a rapidly growing area in the field of pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry and academic research are investing significantly in bioconjugated structures as an attractive and advantageous potential aid to nanoparticulate delivery systems, with all of its flexible benefits in terms of tailor grafting and custom design as well as overcoming the majority of their drawbacks. This review discusses drug delivery via the intranasal route and gives insight into bioconjugation systems for drug molecules, their chemistry, and benefits over other systems. Conjugation of drugs/macromolecules with peptides, carbohydrates, ligands, and nucleic acids has also been discussed in detail. The figure represents few types of novel drug delivery systems and molecules that have been attempted by researchers for nose-to-brain delivery through nasal (mucosal) route for the effective management of epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, brain cancer, and other brain disorders.

Intranasal delivery of biotechnology-based therapeutics

Biotechnology-based therapeutics include a wide range of products, such as recombinant hormones, stem cells, therapeutic enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, genes, vaccines, among others. The administration of these macromolecules has been studied via various routes. The nasal route is one of the promising routes of administration for biotechnology products owing to its easy delivery, the rich vascularity of the nasal mucosa, high absorption and targeted action. Several preclinical studies have been reported for nasal delivery of these products and many are at the clinical stage. This review focuses on biotechnology-based therapeutics administered via the intranasal route for treating various diseases.

Biopolymer Nanoparticles for Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery: A New Promising Approach for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) are among the most disabling and the most difficult to cure due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which represents an impediment from a therapeutic and diagnostic point of view as it limits the entry of most drugs. The use of biocompatible polymer nanoparticles (NPs) as vehicles for targeted drug delivery to the brain arouses increasing interest. However, the route of administration of these vectors remains critical as the drug must be delivered without being degraded to achieve a therapeutic effect. An innovative approach for the administration of drugs to the brain using polymeric carriers is represented by the nose-to-brain (NtB) route which involves the administration of the therapeutic molecule through the neuro-olfactory epithelium of the nasal mucosa. Nasal administration is a non-invasive approach that allows the rapid transport of the drug directly to the brain and minimizes its systemic exposure. To date, many studies involve the use of polymer NPs for the NtB transport of drugs to the brain for the treatment of a whole series of disabling neurological diseases for which, as of today, there is no cure. In this review, various types of biodegradable polymer NPs for drug delivery to the brain through the NtB route are discussed and particular attention is devoted to the treatment of neurological diseases such as Glioblastoma and neurodegenerative diseases.

Functionalization strategies of polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery in Alzheimer's disease: Current trends and future perspectives

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a progressive and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder whose primary causes are mostly unknown. Due to the increase in life expectancy of world population, including developing countries, AD, whose incidence rises dramatically with age, is at the forefront among neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, a definitive cure is not yet within reach, imposing substantial medical and public health burdens at every latitude. Therefore, the effort to devise novel and effective therapeutic strategies is still of paramount importance. Genetic, functional, structural and biochemical studies all indicate that new and efficacious drug delivery strategies interfere at different levels with various cellular and molecular targets. Over the last few decades, therapeutic development of nanomedicine at preclinical stage has shown to progress at a fast pace, thus paving the way for its potential impact on human health in improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. Clinical translation of nano-based therapeutics, despite current limitations, may present important advantages and innovation to be exploited in the neuroscience field as well. In this state-of-the-art review article, we present the most promising applications of polymeric nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery for bypassing the blood-brain barrier of AD preclinical models and boost pharmacological safety and efficacy. In particular, novel strategic chemical functionalization of polymeric nanocarriers that could be successfully employed for treating AD are thoroughly described. Emphasis is also placed on nanotheranostics as both potential therapeutic and diagnostic tool for targeted treatments. Our review highlights the emerging role of nanomedicine in the management of AD, providing the readers with an overview of the nanostrategies currently available to develop future therapeutic applications against this chronic neurodegenerative disease.

Investigation of the “Nose-to-Brain” Pathways in Intranasal HupA Nanoemulsions and Evaluation of Their in vivo Pharmacokinetics and Brain-Targeting Ability

Purpose

While developing huperzine A (HupA) to explore new approaches to treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD), intranasal administration was proposed as an alternative route to deliver drugs into the brain. This study aimed to prepare nanoemulsions (NEs) of HupA to investigate their potential “nose-to-brain” pathways and to evaluate their pharmacokinetic and brain-targeting parameters.

Methods

HupA-NE and Lf-HupA-NE that underwent surface modification with lactoferrin (Lf) were characterized to determine various physicochemical properties, such as their size, PDI, zeta potential, pH, and loading efficiency; in addition, transmission electron microscopy and stability assessments were performed. We utilized an aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) probe to monitor intact NEs in the brains of olfactory nerve transection model and normal rats. Immunohistochemistry, pharmacokinetic and targeting index analyses were performed to investigate the in vivo effects of HupA-NE and Lf-HupA-NE.

Results

Based on the live imaging results, HupA-NE and Lf-HupA-NE could be transported into the brain via nerve and blood circulation pathways. Immunohistochemical staining tests demonstrated that the efflux proteins P-gp, MRP1, and BCRP were expressed in brain tissue. NEs can inhibit efflux pumps to improve drug concentrations in the brain. The findings of this study showed that NEs (especially Lf-HupA-NE) had better pharmacokinetic profiles and a better nose-to-brain drug transport efficiency than free HupA.

Conclusion

The newly designed formulations might contribute to the transport and accumulation of HupA to achieve therapeutic results. The delivery system may be a promising strategy for the brain-targeted delivery of HupA.

Controlling Nuclease Degradation of Wireframe DNA Origami with Minor Groove Binders

Viruslike particles (VLPs) fabricated using wireframe DNA origami are emerging as promising vaccine and gene therapeutic delivery platforms due to their programmable nature that offers independent control over their size and shape, as well as their site-specific functionalization. As materials that biodegrade in the presence of endonucleases, specifically DNase I and II, their utility for the targeting of cells, tissues, and organs depends on their stability in vivo. Here, we explore minor groove binders (MGBs) as specific endonuclease inhibitors to control the degradation half-life of wireframe DNA origami. Bare, unprotected DNA-VLPs composed of two-helix edges were found to be stable in fetal bovine serum under typical cell culture conditions and in human serum for 24 h but degraded within 3 h in mouse serum, suggesting species-specific endonuclease activity. Inhibiting endonucleases by incubating DNA-VLPs with diamidine-class MGBs increased their half-lives in mouse serum by more than 12 h, corroborated by protection against isolated DNase I and II. Our stabilization strategy was compatible with the functionalization of DNA-VLPs with HIV antigens, did not interfere with B-cell signaling activity of DNA-VLPs in vitro, and was nontoxic to B-cell lines. It was further found to be compatible with multiple wireframe DNA origami geometries and edge architectures. MGB protection is complementary to existing methods such as PEGylation and chemical cross-linking, offering a facile protocol to control DNase-mediated degradation rates for in vitro and possibly in vivo therapeutic and vaccine applications.

Nanomedicine for Glioblastoma: Progress and Future Prospects

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain tumor, accounting for the highest mortality and morbidity rates. Current treatment for patients with glioblastoma includes maximal safe tumor resection followed by radiation therapy with concomitant temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. The addition of TMZ to the conformal radiation therapy has improved the median survival time only from 12 months to 16 months in patients with glioblastoma. Despite these aggressive treatment strategies, patients' prognosis remains poor. This therapeutic failure is primarily attributed to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that restricts the transport of TMZ from reaching the tumor site. In recent years, nanomedicine has gained considerable attention among researchers and shown promising developments in clinical applications, including the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of glioblastoma tumors. This review sheds light on the morphological and physiological complexity of the BBB. It also explains the development of nanomedicine strategies to enhance the permeability of drug molecules across the BBB.

Therapeutic nanotechnologies for Alzheimer's disease: a critical analysis of recent trends and findings

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease for which no disease modifying therapies are presently available. Besides the identification of pathological targets, AD presents numerous clinical and pharmacological challenges such as efficient active delivery to the central nervous system, cell targeting, and long-term dosing. Nanoparticles have been explored to overcome some of these challenges as drug delivery vehicles or drugs themselves. However, early promises have failed to materialize as no nanotechnology-based product has been able to reach the market and very few have moved past preclinical stages. In this review, we perform a critical analysis of the past decade's research on nanomedicine-based therapies for AD at the preclinical and clinical stages. The main obstacles to nanotechnology products and the most promising approaches were also identified, including renewed promise with gene editing, gene modulation, and vaccines.

Intranasal Delivery of Functionalized Polymeric Nanomaterials to the Brain

Intravenous delivery of nanomaterials containing therapeutic agents and various cargos for treating neurological disorders is often constrained by low delivery efficacy due to difficulties in passing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles (NPs) administered intranasally can move along olfactory and trigeminal nerves so that they do not need to pass through the BBB, allowing non-invasive, direct access to selective neural pathways within the brain. Hence, intranasal (IN) administration of NPs can effectively deliver drugs and genes into targeted regions of the brain, holding potential for efficacious disease treatment in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, current methods for delivering conjugated NPs to the brain are primarily discussed. Distinctive potential mechanisms of therapeutic nanocomposites delivered via IN pathways to the brain are then discussed. Recent progress in developing functional NPs for applications in multimodal bioimaging, drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutics is also reviewed. This review is then concluded by discussing existing challenges, new directions, and future perspectives in IN delivery of nanomaterials.

Using nanotechnology to deliver biomolecules from nose to brain - peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies and RNA

There is a growing number of biomolecules, including peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies and RNA, that could be potentially used for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the realization of their potential is being hampered by the extraordinary difficulties these complex biomolecules have to reach the brain in therapeutically meaningful amounts. Nose-to-brain (N-to-B) delivery is now being investigated as a potential option for the direct transport of biomolecules from the nasal cavity to different brain areas. Here, we discuss how different technological approaches enhance this N-to-B transport, with emphasis on those that have shown a potential for clinical translation. We also analyse how the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers and their modification with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and targeting ligands affect their efficacy as N-to-B carriers for biomolecules.

Drug Delivery Systems and Strategies to Overcome the Barriers of Brain

The transport of drugs to the central nervous system is the most challenging task for conventional drug delivery systems. Reduced permeability of drugs through the blood-brain barrier is a major hurdle in delivering drugs to the brain. Hence, various strategies for improving drug delivery through the blood-brain barrier are currently being explored. Novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) offer several advantages, including high chemical and biological stability, suitability for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, and can be administered through different routes. Furthermore, the conjugation of suitable ligands with these carriers tend to potentiate targeting to the endothelium of the brain and could facilitate the internalization of drugs through endocytosis. Further, the intranasal route has also shown potential, as a promising alternate route, for the delivery of drugs to the brain. This can deliver the drugs directly to the brain through the olfactory pathway. In recent years, several advancements have been made to target and overcome the barriers of the brain. This article deals with a detailed overview of the diverse strategies and delivery systems to overcome the barriers of the brain for effective delivery of drugs.

Convolutions in the rendition of nose to brain therapeutics from bench to bedside: Feats & fallacies

Brain, a subtle organ of multifarious nature presents plethora of physiological, metabolic and bio-chemical convolutions that impede the delivery of biomolecules and thereby resulting in truncated therapeutic outcome in pathological conditions of central nervous system (CNS). The absolute bottleneck in the therapeutic management of such devastating CNS ailments is the BBB. Another pitfall is the lack of efficient technological platforms (due to high cost and low approval rates) as well as limited clinical trials (due to failures of neuro‑leads in late-stage pipelines) for CNS disorders which has become a literal brain drain with poorest success rates compared to other therapeutic areas, owing to time consuming processes, tremendous convolutions and conceivable adverse effects. With the advent of intranasal delivery (via direct N2B or indirect nose to blood to brain), several novel drug delivery carriers viz. unmodified or surface modified nanoparticle based carriers, lipid based colloidal nanocarriers and drysolid/liquid/semisolid nanoformulations or delivery platforms have been designed as a means to deliver therapeutic agents (small and large molecules, peptides and proteins, genes) to brain, bypassing BBB for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, schizophrenia and CNS malignancies primarily glioblastomas. Intranasal application offers drug delivery through both direct and indirect pathways for the peripherally administered psychopharmacological agents to CNS. This route could also be exploited for the repurposing of conventional drugs for new therapeutic uses. The limited clinical translation of intranasal formulations has been primarily due to existence of barriers of mucociliary clearance in the nasal cavity, enzyme degradation and low permeability of the nasal epithelium. The present review literature aims to decipher the new paradigms of nano therapeutic systems employed for specific N2B drug delivery of CNS drugs through in silico complexation studies using rationally chosen mucoadhesive polymers (exhibiting unique physicochemical properties of nanocarrier's i.e. surface modification, prolonging retention time in the nasal cavity, improving penetration ability, and promoting brain specific delivery with biorecognitive ligands) via molecular docking simulations. Further, the review intends to delineate the feats and fallacies associated with N2B delivery approaches by understanding the physiological/anatomical considerations via decoding the intranasal drug delivery pathways or critical factors such as rationale and mechanism of excipients, affecting the permeability of CNS drugs through nasal mucosa as well as better efficacy in terms of brain targeting, brain bioavailability and time to reach the brain. Additionally, extensive emphasis has also been laid on the innovative formulations under preclinical investigation along with their assessment by means of in vitro /ex vivo/in vivo N2B models and current characterization techniques predisposing an efficient intranasal delivery of therapeutics. A critical appraisal of novel technologies, intranasal products or medical devices available commercially has also been presented. Finally, it could be warranted that more reminiscent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships or validated computational models are mandated to obtain effective screening of molecular architecture of drug-polymer-mucin complexes for clinical translation of N2B therapeutic systems from bench to bedside.

Nanoparticles for Targeted Brain Drug Delivery: What Do We Know?

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a barrier that separates the blood from the brain tissue and possesses unique characteristics that make the delivery of drugs to the brain a great challenge. To achieve this purpose, it is necessary to design strategies to allow BBB passage, in order to reach the brain and target the desired anatomic region. The use of nanomedicine has great potential to overcome this problem, since one can modify nanoparticles with strategic molecules that can interact with the BBB and induce uptake through the brain endothelial cells and consequently reach the brain tissue. This review addresses the potential of nanomedicines to treat neurological diseases by using nanoparticles specially developed to cross the BBB.

New Perspectives of Gene Therapy on Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxias: From Molecular Targets to Novel Nanovectors

Seven of the most frequent spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are caused by a pathological expansion of a cytosine, adenine and guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeat located in exonic regions of unrelated genes, which in turn leads to the synthesis of polyglutamine (polyQ) proteins. PolyQ proteins are prone to aggregate and form intracellular inclusions, which alter diverse cellular pathways, including transcriptional regulation, protein clearance, calcium homeostasis and apoptosis, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration. At present, treatment for SCAs is limited to symptomatic intervention, and there is no therapeutic approach to prevent or reverse disease progression. This review provides a compilation of the experimental advances obtained in cell-based and animal models toward the development of gene therapy strategies against polyQ SCAs, providing a discussion of their potential application in clinical trials. In the second part, we describe the promising potential of nanotechnology developments to treat polyQ SCA diseases. We describe, in detail, how the design of nanoparticle (NP) systems with different physicochemical and functionalization characteristics has been approached, in order to determine their ability to evade the immune system response and to enhance brain delivery of molecular tools. In the final part of this review, the imminent application of NP-based strategies in clinical trials for the treatment of polyQ SCA diseases is discussed.

Non-Ionic Surfactants for Stabilization of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Uses

Surfactants are essential in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles by emulsion formation methods and to preserve the stability of carriers in liquid media. The deposition of non-ionic surfactants at the interface allows a considerable reduction of the globule of the emulsion with high biocompatibility and the possibility of oscillating the final sizes in a wide nanometric range. Therefore, this review presents an analysis of the three principal non-ionic surfactants utilized in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles; polysorbates, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poloxamers. We included a section on general properties and uses and a comprehensive compilation of formulations with each principal non-ionic surfactant. Then, we highlight a section on the interaction of non-ionic surfactants with biological barriers to emphasize that the function of surfactants is not limited to stabilizing the dispersion of nanoparticles and has a broad impact on pharmacokinetics. Finally, the last section corresponds to a recommendation in the experimental approach for choosing a surfactant applying the systematic methodology of Quality by Design.

Development of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Blood-Brain Barrier Transfer-Strategies and Challenges

Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and brain cancers are difficult to treat with current drugs as their delivery efficacy to the brain is severely hampered by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Drug delivery systems have been extensively explored in recent decades aiming to circumvent this barrier. In particular, polymeric nanoparticles have shown enormous potentials owing to their unique properties, such as high tunability, ease of synthesis, and control over drug release profile. However, careful analysis of their performance in effective drug transport across the BBB should be performed using clinically relevant testing models. In this review, polymeric nanoparticle systems for drug delivery to the central nervous system are discussed with an emphasis on the effects of particle size, shape, and surface modifications on BBB penetration. Moreover, the authors critically analyze the current in vitro and in vivo models used to evaluate BBB penetration efficacy, including the latest developments in the BBB-on-a-chip models. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for the development of polymeric nanoparticles to combat neurological disorders are discussed.

Recent advances in the design of inorganic and nano-clay particles for the treatment of brain disorders

Inorganic materials, in particular nanoclays and silica nanoparticles, have attracted enormous attention due to their versatile and tuneable properties, making them ideal candidates for a wide range of biomedical applications, such as drug delivery. This review aims at overviewing recent developments of inorganic nanoparticles (like porous or mesoporous silica particles) and different nano-clay materials (like montmorillonite, laponites or halloysite nanotubes) employed for overcoming the blood brain barrier (BBB) in the treatment and therapy of major brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, glioma or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Recent strategies of crossing the BBB through invasive and not invasive administration routes by using different types of nanoparticles compared to nano-clays and inorganic particles are overviewed.

Nanoparticle-Based Delivery to Treat Spinal Cord Injury-a Mini-review

There is an increasing need to develop improved and non-invasive strategies to treat spinal cord injury (SCI). Nanoparticles (NPs) are an enabling technology to improve drug delivery, modulate inflammatory responses, and restore functional responses following SCI. However, the complex pathophysiology associated with SCI presents several distinct challenges that must be overcome for sufficient NP drug delivery to the spinal cord. The objective of this mini-review is to highlight the physiological challenges and cell types available for modulation and discuss several promising advancements using NPs to improve SCI treatment. We will focus our discussion on recent innovative approaches in NP drug delivery and how the implementation of multifactorial approaches to address the proinflammatory and complex immune dysfunction in SCI offers significant potential to improve outcomes in SCI.

Road From Nose to Brain for Treatment of Alzheimer: The Bumps and Humps

Vulnerability of the brain milieu to even the subtle changes in its normal physiology is guarded by a highly efficient blood brain barrier. A number of factors i.e. molecular weight of the drug, its route of administration, lipophilic character, etc. play a significant role in its sojourn through the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and limit the movement of drug into brain tissue through BBB. To overcome these problems, alternative routes of drug administration have been explored to target the drugs to brain tissue. Nasal route has been widely reported for the administration of drugs for treatment of Alzheimer. In this innovative approach, the challenge of BBB is bypassed. Through this route, both the larger as well as polar molecules can be made to reach the brain tissues. Generally, these systems are either pH dependent or temperature dependent. The present review highlights the anatomy of nose, mechanisms of drug delivery from nose to brain, critical factors in the formulation of nasal drug delivery system, nasal formulations of various drugs that have been tried for their nasal delivery for treatment of Alzheimer. It also dives deep to understand the factors that contribute to the success of such formulations to carve out a direction for this niche area to be explored further.

Lactoferrin coated or conjugated nanomaterials as an active targeting approach in nanomedicine

A successful drug delivery to a specific site relies on two essential factors including; efficient entrapment of the drug within the carrier and successful delivery of drug- loaded nanocarrier to the target site without opsonisation or drug release in the circulation before reaching the organ of interest. Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein belonging to the transferrin (TF) family which can bind to TF receptors (TFRs) and LF membrane internalization receptors (LFRs) highly expressed on the cell surface of both highly proliferating cancer cells and blood brain barrier (BBB), which in turn can facilitate its accessibility to the cell nucleus. This merit could be exploited to develop actively targeted drug delivery systems that can easily cross the BBB or internalize into tumor cells. In this review, the most recent advances of utilizing LF as an active targeting ligand for different types of nanocarriers including: inorganic nanoparticles, dendrimers, synthetic biodegradable polymers, lipid nanocarriers, natural polymers, and nanoemulstions will be highlighted. Collectively, LF seems to be a promising targeting ligand in the field of nanomedicine.