Preparation and characterization of biocompatible chitosan nanoparticles for targeted brain delivery of peptides

Here, we describe a nanocarrier system that can transfer chitosan nanoparticles loaded with either small peptides such as the caspase inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK or a large peptide like basic fibroblast growth factor across the blood-brain barrier. The nanoparticles are selectively directed to the brain and are not measurably taken up by liver and spleen. Intravital fluorescent microscopy provides an opportunity to study the penetration kinetics of nanoparticles loaded with fluorescent agents such as Nile red, and has demonstrated that this nanomedicine formulation is rapidly transported across the blood-brain barrier.