Micronutrient-Assisted Biomaterial Strategies as Neuropharmacological Modulators of Neuroinflammation and Oxidative...

Neurodegeneration results from the convergence of several molecular processes, including inflammation in the brain (i.e., neuroinflammation), elevated levels of free radicals that damage cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the inability to remove damaged proteins from the brain. Even though many agents provide neuroprotection in research models, their clinical use is limited because they cannot effectively cross the blood-brain barrier to reach the areas of the brain where they are needed. Limitations include the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism and clearance, non-specific targeting, efflux by transport proteins, toxicity, and low solubility and stability. The classification of micronutrients (e.g., vitamins, polyphenols, minerals), which are naturally present antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, plays a role in modulating the most important signaling pathways in the body, including those mediating the inflammatory response (i.e., NF-κB and NLRP3) and the process that causes glial cell death (i.e., JAK/STAT). Micronutrients have a significant drawback for therapeutic use because they are rapidly metabolized and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Developments in synthetic biomaterials and nanotechnology offer a potential avenue for addressing the challenges of delivering micronutrients to the brain by targeting them to specific areas and releasing them over a sustained period. This study presents current information on the mechanisms by which micronutrients modulate molecular pathways and their potential application in emerging biomaterials to develop a new class of neuroprotective therapeutic agents that may ultimately be used to treat patients with degenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's). Additionally, clinical challenges are addressed to translate these products from the laboratory to the clinic. The idea presented in this review connects molecular neuromodulation via micronutrients and bioactive nutraceuticals with a new strategy for pharmacological delivery using biomaterials. Instead of considering nutrition and those biomaterials as separate therapeutic areas, an integrated mechanistic model is presented that shows how micronutrients can act as endogenous pathway regulators and how biomaterials can enhance pharmacokinetics and targeting.