Nanotechnology approaches to crossing the blood-brain barrier and drug delivery to the CNS
2008
Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery to the Brain
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Silva Gabriel A
Primary Institution: University of California, San Diego
Hypothesis
Can nanotechnology effectively deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier?
Conclusion
Nanotechnology-based approaches may enhance the targeted delivery of drugs across the blood-brain barrier.
Supporting Evidence
- Nanotechnologies can potentially carry out multiple specific functions for drug delivery.
- Significant remission with minimal toxicity was observed in a rat glioblastoma model using doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles.
- Nanoparticles can enhance the delivery of drugs that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier on their own.
Takeaway
Scientists are using tiny materials to help medicines get into the brain, which is usually very hard to do.
Methodology
The review summarizes various nanotechnological strategies for drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier.
Limitations
The ideal delivery scenario has not yet been fully realized, and many challenges remain.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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