Nanocarrier-based targeting strategies in epilepsy: addressing pathophysiological barriers

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide and is characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal neuronal activity. Conventional therapies, including antiepileptic drugs, growth factors, and gene therapy, are often limited by poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, drug resistance, adverse effects, and low bioavailability. This review summarizes recent advances in nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems for improving epilepsy treatment.

A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles, patents, and clinical studies was conducted to evaluate lipid-based, vesicular, polymeric, dendrimer, and inorganic nanocarriers. Their formulation strategies, BBB transport mechanisms, therapeutic applications, clinical progress, and future prospects were critically analysed.

Nanocarriers enhance the solubility, stability, bioavailability, controlled release, and brain targeting of antiepileptic drugs. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, nanoemulsions, and metallic nanoparticles have demonstrated improved BBB penetration, prolonged drug action, reduced toxicity, and enhanced seizure control in preclinical studies. Despite promising outcomes, challenges related to large-scale manufacturing, long-term safety, regulatory approval, and clinical translation remain.

Nanomedicine represents a promising approach for overcoming the limitations of conventional epilepsy therapy by enabling efficient brain-targeted drug delivery. Further optimization, safety evaluation, and clinical validation are essential to support the successful translation of nanocarrier-based therapies into clinical practice.