Recent advances on brain drug delivery via nanoparticles: alternative future materials for neuroscience applications; a review

Abstract Essentially, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) serves as a line of demarcation between neural tissues and the bloodstream. A unique and protective characteristic of the blood–brain barrier is its ability to maintain cerebral homeostasis by regulating the flux of molecules and ions. The inability to uphold proper functioning in any of these constituents leads to the disruption of this specialized multicellular arrangement, consequently fostering neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Recent advancements in nanomedicine have been regarded as a promising avenue for improving the delivery of drugs to the central nervous system in the modern era. A major benefit of this innovation is that it allows drugs to accumulate selectively within the cerebral area by circumventing the blood–brain barrier. Although brain-targeted nanomedicines have demonstrated impressive achievements, certain limitations in targeting specificity still exist. In this examination, we scrutinize the distinctive physical and chemical attributes of nanoparticles (NPs) contributing to their facilitation in BBB traversal. We explore the various mechanisms governing NP passage over the BBB, encompassing paracellular conveyance, mediated transport, as well as adsorptive- and receptor-mediated transcytosis. The therapeutic success of NPs for the treatment of brain tumors has been extensively investigated through the use of various categories of NPs. Among these are polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and nanogels. The potential utility of nanoparticles goes beyond their ability to transport pharmaceuticals. They can serve as adept imaging contrast agents, capable of being linked with imaging probes. This will facilitate tumor visualization, delineate lesion boundaries and margins, and monitor drug delivery and treatment response. Versatile nanoparticles can be engineered to effectively target neoplastic lesions, serving dual roles in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions. Subsequently, this discourse explores the constraints associated with nanoparticles in the context of treating brain tumors.