Chapter 2 - Nanocarriers systems for brain targeted drug delivery and diagnosis

Abstract

The central nervous system (CNS) is being protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for efficiently maintaining the homeostasis. The BBB not only restricts the entrance of harmful endogenous and xenobiotic molecules but also restricts the entrance of therapeutic agents. The motif of a carrier or a drug that effectively overcomes the restraints imposed by the BBB needs compatibility with this main biological barrier. Understanding the physicochemical features of the carrier or drug and how it interacts with BBB is vital for effective brain delivery. Ever since less than 5% of the established molecules can cross the BBB. Nanotechnology has the potential and provides infinite possibilities to deliver therapeutic agents for various disorders of the CNS across BBB. Numerous drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been developed that demonstrate exceptional potential in therapeutic agent delivery to CNS while exhibiting marginal side effects. Recently, due to exceptional surface electrostatics, functional versatility, and excellent biocompatibility properties nano-diamonds are also being investigated for their drug delivery capability to the CNS. Moreover, modifications or functionalization of the nanocarriers with specific targeting ligands or molecules has demonstrated remarkable results for effective delivery of drugs to the CNS through receptor-mediated transcytosis. The current chapter presents a comprehensive understanding of the developments made in nanocarriers for effective drug delivery to the CNS.