Utilizing nanotechnology to diagnose and treat central nervous system disorders

The CNS presents a unique challenge to therapeutic intervention due to its sophisticated organization, the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the low regenerative potential of neural tissue. Over the last few decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary technology capable of transforming the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases, thereby offering new hope to patients with previously incurable neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of newer types of nanomaterials-i.e., nanoliposomes (NLs), metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-which have been found to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver drugs with enhanced specificity and efficacy. Nanoparticle-based therapies have revolutionized drug delivery, gene therapy, in vivo imaging, and molecular profiling for CNS diseases. However, despite such advancements, hurdles remain, particularly in terms of biocompatibility, long-term safety, and site-specific activity within complex biological systems. Herein, we summarize recent advances in the construction of smart nanocarriers and multi-functional platforms for overcoming physiological and pharmacological challenges in CNS therapy. Finally, we emphasize the urgent need for interdisciplinary studies to unlock the full clinical potential of nanotechnology in neurology and answer outstanding questions regarding toxicity, immune responses, and scalability for human application.