Nanobiotechnology-based drug delivery to the central nervous system

Drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major limitation in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Several approaches are being investigated to improve drug delivery across the BBB.

This review deals with the role of nanobiotechnology in CNS drug delivery. The small size of the nanoparticles enables them to penetrate the BBB and facilitate the delivery of drugs across the barrier. Several mechanisms are involved in this process and various strategies are used based on different types of nanomaterial and combinations with therapeutic agents. Examples are given of the use of liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles can be used as nonviral vectors for CNS gene therapy. Although the use of nanotechnology is expected to reduce the need for invasive procedures for delivery of therapeutics to the CNS, some devices such as implanted catheters and reservoirs will still be needed. Nanomaterials can improve the safety and efficacy of such devices. Nano-engineered probes can deliver drugs at the cellular level using nanofluidic channels. There is some concern about the safety of nanoparticle entry in the brain and this needs to be resolved before human use.

Although there is no approved nanotechnology-based CNS drug as yet that incorporates nanobiotechnology, the future for such developments is promising.