Title:Nanoparticles as a Carrier System for Drug Delivery Across Blood Brain Barrier
VOLUME: 18 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Alika Sarkar, Ismat Fatima, Qazi Mohammad Sajid Jamal, Usman Sayeed, Mohammad Kalim A. Khan, Salman Akhtar, Mohammad Amjad Kamal, Alvina Farooqui and Mohammad Haris Siddiqui
Affiliation:Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow-226026, UP, Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow-226026, UP, Department of Health Information Management, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Buraydah Colleges, Al Qassim, Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow-226026, UP, Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow-226026, UP, Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow-226026, UP, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah-21589, Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow-226026, UP, Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow
Keywords:Blood brain barrier, brain drug delivery, nanotechnology, nanocarriers, nanomedicine, mechanism of drug transport, lipid-based
nanoparticles, polymer-based nanoparticles.
Abstract:Brain, the centre of the nervous system and an integral part the body, is protected by two anatomical and
physiological barriers- Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier (BCSFB). Blood-Brain
Barrier is a very complex and highly organized multicellular structure that shields the brain from harmful substances
and invading organisms from the bloodstream and thus offering protection against various brain diseases and injuries.
However, it also impede the effective delivery of drug to the brain, thus, preventing treatment of numerous neurological
disorders. Even though various traditional approaches such as Intra-Cerebro-Ventricular (ICV) injection, use of
implants, disruption of BBB and use of prodrugs have achieved some success in overcoming these barriers, researchers
are continuously working for promising alternatives for improved brain drug delivery. Recent breakthroughs in the
field of nanotechnology provide an appropriate solution to problems associated with these delivery approaches and
thus can be effectively used to treat a wide variety of brain diseases. Thus, nanotechnology promises to bring a great
future to the individuals with various brain disorders. This review provides a brief overview of various brain drug
delivery approaches along with limitations. In addition, the significance of nanoparticles as drug carrier systems for
effective brain specific drug delivery has been highlighted. To show the complexity of the problems to be overcome for
improved brain drug delivery, a concise intercellular classification of the BBB along with general transport routes
across it is also included.
