14 - Nanotubes-based brain targeted drug delivery system: a step toward improving bioavailability and drug enhancement at the target site

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are becoming exemplary in brain-targeted drug delivery due to their small size, large surface area, and high biocompatibility and bioavailability with biomolecules. They possess the ability to penetrate the cellular membrane and thus act as therapeutic vehicle for the drug delivery into the central nervous system (CNS). Carbon nanostructures are a promising stratagem for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders by repairing and regrowth of degenerated nerve cells that are involved in the regeneration of new neurons. Brain cancer and central nervous disorders are increasing significantly globally leading to neuropathologies. Blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is the major obstacle faced during effective drug delivery to the CNS as it restricts the entry of the drug into the brain. Multiple approaches have been developed to overcome this barrier but their use is limited due to lack of specificity, safety concerns, and, inadequate amount of drug delivery to the brain. CNTs are the nanostructures that are used for brain-targeted drug delivery bypassing the BBB with minimal toxicity. This chapter provides an insight into the role of CNTs in drug delivery to the brain and its recent advancement in drug delivery systems.