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Published on: November 14, 2018
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Current Strategies for Brain Drug Delivery
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
Theranostics
|March 21, 2018
Summary
Delivering drugs to the brain is challenging due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review covers recent strategies for overcoming the BBB, including nanoparticle and non-nanoparticle approaches, and the impact of aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain but hinders drug delivery.
- BBB disruption occurs in various neurological diseases, presenting opportunities for drug transport.
- Aging also influences BBB integrity and drug permeability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of recent (past five years) brain drug delivery strategies.
- To address controversial topics regarding nanoparticle-mediated BBB crossing and targeted delivery.
- To highlight neglected aspects like the influence of aging on the BBB.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature (last five years) on brain drug delivery.
- Analysis of nanoparticle-based and non-nanoparticle strategies.
- Examination of BBB structure, function, and pathological changes.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle efficacy in crossing the BBB and targeted delivery remains debated.
- Strategies include exploiting pathological BBB permeability and using non-invasive enhancement techniques.
- Limited research exists on aging's impact on BBB drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Effective brain drug delivery requires overcoming BBB challenges.
- Further research is needed on nanoparticle targeting and the effects of aging on BBB permeability for improved therapeutic outcomes.
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