Potential Nanomedicine Research Articles

In Ukrainian

Gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) have a great potential in nanomedicine. For their use in biological studies there is a need to increase significantly the metal content (active substance) in the dose volume for the injection. Therefore, an urgent task is to find the experimental ways to prevent NPs aggregation in highly concentrated colloidal systems. In this work colloids of Ag NPs, Au NPs and AgAu NPs were prepared in the presence of amino acid as metal ion reducer and particle stabilizer. The polymer pluronic F68 was proposed to increase the stability of NPs and the experimental conditions for the long-term stabilization of colloidal systems with a metal content of 0.4-0.8 mg/ml were developed. It was shown that nanoparticles in all systems maintained nanodimensionality during and after the increasing metal concentration in colloids by 40 times, namely the average size of formed particles was around 10-20 nm. Their optical characteristics remained unchanged, namely, the maxima of the localized surface plasmon resonance band in the absorption spectra had typical position and were placed between 415 and 528 nm depending on molar ratio of metal in nanoparticle.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with alamandine as a potential new therapy against cancer

Molecules of the renin angiotensin-system have been received the attention of many scientists since recent works have revealed important antitumor activity. A heptapeptide with chemical similarity with Angiotensin [Ang-(1–7)], called Alamandine, showed in previously published works relevant biologic activities and in the present work, a potential nanomedicine formulation based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with Alamandine was prepared aiming to evaluate its potential application against cancer. SBA-16 and silanized-SBA-16 nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized, revealing a high Alamandine incorporation rate. Relevant cytotoxicity of the system was determined through the flow cytometry technique, over 4T1 (murine breast cancer) and A549 (human pulmonary cancer) cells. Furthermore, the system was crucial to reveal the antitumor capacity of alamandine, since it was observed a relevant reduction in the concentration necessary to conduct to death a significant number of tumor cells. From all results obtained, the present study suggests a new perspective on the use of Alamandine-MSNs as a novel nanomedicine for future applications in cancer treatment.

Triphala polyphenols-functionalized gold nanoparticles impair cancer cell survival through induction of tubulin dysfunction

Green-nanotechnology has enabled the development of several potential nanomedicines against diseases such as cancer. Triphala is an ayurvedic formulation with anticancer activities. The aim of the study was to synthesize, characterize, and biologically evaluate Trl-polyphenol-coated gold nanoparticles (Trl-GNPs) and to elucidate the mechanism of action of this formulation. Trl-GNPs were synthesized using the lyophilized powder of Trl extract and gold chloride trihydrate, and characterized by an assortment of spectroscopy techniques (UV–visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, size- and zeta potential-analysis, and one-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and transmission electron microscopy. Cell viability analyses of the triple-negative breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, were carried out using (3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT assay. The nature of interactions of the Trl-GNPs with the purified tubulin was studied using spectrofluorimetry and circular dichroism. Microtubule architectural defects were investigated using immunofluorescence microscopy. Trl-GNPs were found to be inhibitory to the proliferative potential of the cells. The antiproliferative mechanism of action of Trl-GNPs involved perturbation of the structural the integrity of the mitotic-spindle-building protein, tubulin, at the secondary and tertiary levels. These disruptions of tubulin manifested as disrupted microtubule network in cells facilitating cell cycle arrest. Our data suggest a potential method for enhancing the delivery of Trl polyphenols to cancer cells, and elucidate the antiproliferative mechanism of action of these particles.

Both Intracranial and Intravenous Administration of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Protect Dopaminergic Neuronal Death from 6-Hydroxydopamine.

PurposeAlthough single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) with functional groups have been suggested as a potential nanomedicine to treat neuronal disorders, effective routes to administer SWNTs have not been compared thus far. The blood–brain barrier is a considerable challenge for the development of brain-targeting drugs, and therefore functionalized SWNT routes of administration have been needed for testing Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment. Here, effective administration routes of functionalized SWNTs were evaluated in PD mouse model.MethodsThree different administration routes were tested in PD mouse model. Functionalized SWNTs were injected directly into the lateral ventricle three days before (Method 1) or after (Method 2) 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection to compare the protective effects of SWNTs against dopaminergic neuronal death or functionalized SWNTs were injected intravenously at three and four days after 6-OHDA injection (Method 3). Asymmetric behaviors and histological assessment from all animals were performed at two weeks after 6-OHDA injection.ResultsVentricular injections of SWNTs both before or after 6-OHDA exposure protected dopaminergic neurons both in the substantia nigra and striatum and alleviated rotational asymmetry behavior in PD mice. Moreover, intravenous administration of SWNTs three and four days after 6-OHDA injection also prevented neuronal death and PD mice behavioral impairment without apparent cytotoxicity after six months post-treatment.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that functionalized SWNTs could effectively protect dopaminergic neurons through all administration routes examined herein. Therefore, SWNTs are promising nanomedicine agents by themselves or as therapeutic carriers to treat neuronal disorders such as PD.

Graphene nanoplatelets/Cr2O3 nanocomposites as novel nanoantibiotics: Towards control of multiple drug resistant bacteria

Drug resistance resulting due to the abuse of antibiotics can possibly be fatal for human beings. It, therefore, is required to develop novel nanoantibiotics to fight with the bacterial infections. In this work, we report graphene nanoplatelets/Cr2O3 nanocomposites (GNPs/Cr2O3) as a potential nanomedicine. Antibacterial characteristics of GNPs/Cr2O3 nanocomposites have been investigated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. GCr2O3-II with the optimized GNPs’ content shows excellent antibacterial performance with 84.25% growth inhibition of S. aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and 80.76% growth inhibition of -P. aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria). This can be attributed to the synergistic contribution of Cr2O3 nanoflakes and GNPs/Cr2O3 nanocomposites, towards bacterial membrane disruption, that may be caused by the sharp edges of GNPs and induction of the oxidative stress by Cr2O3 nanoflakes. Therefore, this study suggests that GNPs/Cr2O3 nanocomposites can be employed as an innovative nanoantibiotics for pathogen control.

Deformable double-shelled hollow mesoporous organosilica nanocapsules: A multi-interfacial etching strategy

Multishelled hollow structures have drawn increasing interest because of their peculiar compartmentation environments and physicochemical properties. In this work, deformable double-shelled hollow mesoporous organosilica nanocapsules (DDHMONs) were successfully synthesized by a multi-interfacial etching strategy. The obtained DDHMONs have a double-shelled structure with aninorganic-organic hybrid framework, a uniform outer layer (∼320 nm) and inner layer (∼180 nm), ordered mesochannels (∼2.21 nm), and a large specific surface area (∼1233 m2/g). In vitro toxicity tests show that the DDHMONs have excellent biocompatibility when coincubated with human breast cancer cells. In addition, the anticancer substance doxorubicin (DOX) can be highly loaded in DDHMONs (∼335 μg/mg). The results from flow cytometry together with confocal laser scanning microscopy show that DOX can be efficiently delivered into MCF-7 cells by DDHMONs, thus improving chemotherapeutic efficiency and demonstrating that DDHMONs have potential nanomedicine applications as anticancer agents.

From DNA to Nerve Agents – The Biomimetic Catalysts for the Hydrolysis of Phosphate Esters

AbstractThe phosphate ester bonds are widely present in living organisms and in the environment. From the nucleic acids to the sparingly dispersed pesticides and chemical warfare residues, the phosphoester bond's stability against hydrolysis can be extremely high or exceptionally low. Recently, the enzyme‐mimicking nanomaterials, namely ‘nanozyme’, have been explored for their activities in hydrolytically cleaving DNA, organophosphate and their analogues. Herein in a broad perspective these nanomaterials were summarized and compared with a view to reproducing the catalysis efficiency and selectivity of natural phosphatases and nucleases. The development of biomimetic inorganic materials would not only provide potential nanomedicine for future gene editing, but also offer alternative solutions to the environmentally friendly treatment of pesticide residues and chemical warfare stockpiles.

Antibacterial Activity of Manganese Dioxide Nanosheets by ROS-Mediated Pathways and Destroying Membrane Integrity.

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheets have shown exciting potential in nanomedicine because of their ultrathin thickness, large surface area, high near-infrared (NIR) absorbance and good biocompatibility. However, the effect of MnO2 nanosheets on bacteria is still unclear. In this study, MnO2 nanosheets were shown for the first time to possess highly efficient antibacterial activity by using Salmonella as a model pathogen. The growth curve and surface plate assay uncovered that 125 μg/mL MnO2 nanosheets could kill 99.2% of Salmonella, which was further verified by fluorescence-based live/dead staining measurement. Mechanism analysis indicated that MnO2 nanosheet treatment could dramatically induce reactive oxygen species production, increase ATPase activity and cause the leakage of electrolytes and protein contents, leading to bacterial death. These results uncover the previously undefined role of MnO2 nanosheets and provide novel strategies for developing antimicrobial agents.

Discovery of Selenocysteine as aPotential Nanomedicine Promotes Cartilage Regeneration With Enhanced Immune Response by Text Mining and Biomedical Databases.

BackgroundUnlike bone tissue, little progress has been made regarding cartilage regeneration, and many challenges remain. Furthermore, the key roles of cartilage lesion caused by traumas, focal lesion, or articular overstress remain unclear. Traumatic injuries to the meniscus as well as its degeneration are important risk factors for long-term joint dysfunction, degenerative joint lesions, and knee osteoarthritis (OA) a chronic joint disease characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and hyperosteogeny. Nearly 50% of the individuals with meniscus injuries develop OA over time. Due to the limited inherent self-repair capacity of cartilage lesion, the Biomaterial drug-nanomedicine is considered to be a promising alternative. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the gene potential regeneration mechanisms and discover novel precise medication, which are identified through this study to investigate their function and role in pathogenesis.MethodsWe downloaded the mRNA microarray statistics GSE117999, involving paired cartilage lesion tissue samples from 12 OA patients and 12 patients from a control group. First, we analyzed these statistics to recognize the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We then exposed the gene ontology (GO) annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses for these DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were then constructed, from which we attained eight significant genes after a functional interaction analysis. Finally, we identified a potential nanomedicine attained from this assay set, using a wide range of inhibitor information archived in the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database.ResultsSixty-six DEGs were identified with our standards for meaning (adjusted P-value < 0.01, |log2 - FC| ≥1.2). Furthermore, we identified eight hub genes and one potential nanomedicine - Selenocysteine based on these integrative data.ConclusionWe identified eight hub genes that could work as prospective biomarkers for the diagnostic and biomaterial drug treatment of cartilage lesion, involving the novel genes CAMP, DEFA3, TOLLIP, HLA-DQA2, SLC38A6, SLC3A1, FAM20A, and ANO8. Meanwhile, these genes were mainly associated with immune response, immune mediator induction, and cell chemotaxis. Significant support is provided for obtaining a series of novel gene targets, and we identify potential mechanisms for cartilage regeneration and final nanomedicine immunotherapy in regenerative medicine.

Following the Fate of Dye-Containing Liposomes In Vitro.

The rather limited success of translation from basic research to clinical application has been highlighted as a major issue in the nanomedicine field. To identify the factors influencing the applicability of nanosystems as drug carriers and potential nanomedicine, we focused on following their fate through fluorescence-based assays, namely flow cytometry and imaging. These methods are often used to follow the nanocarrier internalization and targeting; however, the validity of the obtained results strictly depends on how much the nanosystem’s fate can be inferred from the fate of fluorescent dyes. To evaluate the parameters that affect the physicochemical and biological stability of the labeled nanosystems, we studied the versatility of two lipid dyes, TopFluor®-PC and Cy5-DSPE, in conventional liposomes utilizing well-defined in vitro assays. Our results suggest that the dye can affect the major characteristics of the system, such as vesicle size and zeta-potential. However, a nanocarrier can also affect the dye properties. Medium, temperature, time, fluorophore localization and its concentration, as well as their interplay, affect the outcome of tracing experiments. Therefore, an in-depth characterization of the labeled nanosystem should be fundamental to understand the conditions that validate the results within the screening process in optimization of nanocarrier.

Identification of possible reductants in the aqueous leaf extract of mangrove plant Rhizophora apiculata for the fabrication and cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles against human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells.

Rhizophora apiculata is a less studied tannin-rich plant of the mangrove ecosystem with potent biomedical applications. Tannins have been known to reduce silver ions into silver nanoparticles which in particular are known to possess cytotoxic effects against a variety of cancer cells. The aqueous leaf extract was prepared and quantitatively analyzed for its phytochemical content. According to the quantitative phytochemical analysis, the extract was rich in tannins and other reducing sugars. The reducing sugar-rich extract was further used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Taking these facts into consideration, in this study, an eco-friendly approach was followed to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles using a tannin-rich Rhizophora apiculata aqueous leaf extract. The synthesized nanoparticles were partially characterized by our previous reports. This report further characterizes the particles by determining its average size, polydispersity index and zeta potential using dynamic light scattering. After characterization, the nanoparticles were tested for cytotoxic effects against human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. The effects were analyzed by microscopic observation and MTT assay. The results indicate that the tannin-rich extract reduced the precursor silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles of favorable size for tumor infiltration. The nanoparticles possessed significant cytotoxic effects against MG-63 cells which could be possibly attributed to the antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles. Further studies at the molecular level can indicate its potential in nanomedicine for the treatment of bone cancer at the clinical level.

Attenuation of cadmium-induced vascular toxicity by pro-angiogenic nanorods.

Cadmium (Cd) is a common heavy metal that causes major environmental pollution with adverse effects on human health and well-being. Exposure to Cd is known to exhibit detrimental consequences on all the vital organ systems of the body, especially the vascular system. Certain approaches using anti-oxidants and chelating agents have been demonstrated previously to mitigate Cd-induced toxicity. However, these approaches are associated with their own limitations. In this context, there is a critical need for the development of alternative treatment strategies to address the conditions associated with Cd-poisoning. One such novel approach is the application of nanomedicine which is well-known to resolve several health complications by improving disease therapy. Recently, our group demonstrated the role of europium hydroxide nanorods (EHN) in promoting vascular growth using in vitro and in vivo assay systems. Therefore, in the present study, we have evaluated the effect of EHN on health of endothelial cells (EA.hy926) and fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) intoxicated by Cd. The results revealed that EHN significantly improved the viability of EA.hy926 and NIH 3T3 cells, reduced apoptotic cell population, increased nitric oxide (NO) production and promoted blood vasculature development in the chick embryo model, which were hampered due to Cd insult. Molecular studies demonstrated the reduced expression of tumor suppressor (p53) and elevated anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-xL) levels along with enhanced NO production through endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation as the plausible mechanisms underlying protective role of EHN against Cd-induced vascular toxicity. Considering the above observations, we strongly believe that EHN could be a potential nanomedicine approach for overcoming Cd-induced toxicity by improving vascular health and functioning.

Reliable naked-eye detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen 85B using gold and copper nanoshell-enhanced immunoblotting techniques

A straightforward and naked-eye–sensitive nanoshell-enhanced immunoblotting technique was successfully developed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen 85B (Ag85B). The immunoblotting assay included the intensification of the signal of the gold or copper nanoshell on the surface of gold-binding polypeptide fused to 50B14 (GBP-50B14) antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The recombinant GBP-50B14 fusion antibody, which has gold-binding and antigen-binding abilities, shows high affinity toward the AuNP surface as well as Ag85B. The formation of a gold nanoshell or copper nanoshell on the surface of AuNPs leads to the generation of a purple or red spot that can be observed with the naked eye. The gold- and copper-enhanced intensity corresponds to the concentration of Ag85B and provides a detection limit of 0.93 and 0.21 ng/mL by a phone camera and 1.56 and 0.75 ng/mL by the naked eye, respectively. Owing to the higher analytical performance of copper nanoshell enrichment, this immunoblotting technique was successfully applied to determine Ag85B in clinical urine samples. Using this nanoplatform to determine the complexity of Ag85B and CFP10 tuberculosis antigens, the strong reactivity of urine samples from active tuberculosis patients showed 71.4% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity, suggesting excellent application potential in nanomedicine to reliably detect tuberculosis biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of active Tuberculosis.

Magnetic and Golden Yogurts. Food as a Potential Nanomedicine Carrier

Yogurt is one of the most emblematic and popular fermented foods. It is produced by the fermentation of milk lactose by bacteria such as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Magnetic (MNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were incorporated into the exopolysaccharides (EPSs) of these bacteria. The functionalized bacteria were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A large number of MNPs and AuNPs were bound to the bacterial EPS. Interestingly, the nanoparticles’ (NPs) presence did not affect the bacteria’s capacity to ferment milk and to produce magnetic and golden yogurts. Magnetic and golden yogurts represent the perfect combination of emblematic food and nanoparticles and have a range of potential biomedical applications: use in iron-deficiency anemia, diagnosis and hyperthermia treatment of appropriate digestive diseases, and interest in glamour cuisine.

Antitumor Features of Vegetal Protein-Based Nanotherapeutics.

The introduction of nanotechnology into pharmaceutical application revolutionized the administration of antitumor drugs through the modulation of their accumulation in specific organs/body compartments, a decrease in their side-effects and their controlled release from innovative systems. The use of plant-derived proteins as innovative, safe and renewable raw materials to be used for the development of polymeric nanoparticles unlocked a new scenario in the drug delivery field. In particular, the reduced size of the colloidal systems combined with the peculiar properties of non-immunogenic polymers favored the characterization and evaluation of the pharmacological activity of the novel nanoformulations. The aim of this review is to describe the physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles composed of vegetal proteins used to retain and deliver anticancer drugs, together with the most important preparation methods and the pharmacological features of these potential nanomedicines.

Stimuli-responsive polymeric prodrug-based nanomedicine delivering nifuroxazide and doxorubicin against primary breast cancer and pulmonary metastasis

Functionalized drug delivery systems against malignant lung metastasis of breast cancer have been extensively studied, while metastasis remains a challenging issue. We propose a new strategy to achieve eradication of primary breast cancer cells and inhibition of pulmonary metastasis. A cathepsin B/pH dual-sensitive block copolymer with a molecular weight of 92 kDa was synthesized to conjugate with doxorubicin (DOX). The copolymer-DOX was further loaded with nifuroxazide (NFX) to self-assemble co-prodrug-loaded micelles (CLM). CLM displayed a drug release pattern in response to pH/enzyme dual stimuli and was enzymatically biodegradable. CLM was demonstrated to reduce viability and inhibit migration and invasion of 4T1 murine breast cancer cells in vitro. After i.v. injection of CLM, its nanoscale size and stimuli-responsiveness facilitated delivery of drugs to the tumor site in mice. Enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and great anti-metastatic effects were found in both orthotropic and lung metastasis 4T1 breast cancer mice models. Meanwhile, histological immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical analyses revealed a high level of apoptosis, suppressed expression of matrix metalloproteinases and reduction in MDSCs infiltration, and all these contributed to inhibit pulmonary metastasis. CLM may be explored as a potential nanomedicine against breast cancer metastasis.

Dipolar Magnetic Interactions in Mn-Doped Magnetite Nanoparticles Loaded into PLGA Nanocapsules for Nanomedicine Applications

Nanocapsules made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer and with a different load of oleate-coated Mn-doped magnetite nanoparticles are studied for potential nanomedicine applications as nanocarriers with magnetic functionalities, in particular magnetic heating. The mean size of the PLGA nanocapsules and of the magnetic nanoparticles is around 200 and 8 nm, respectively. The aim is to study to what extent the different concentration of magnetic nanoparticles and their confinement into the PLGA nanocapsules affect their spatial arrangement and their magnetic interaction. This is crucial for making progress in the field of magnetic nanocarriers, tailoring their magnetic properties and thus optimizing their performance. The results obtained by combining structural and magnetic analyses indicate that the nanoparticles form aggregates into the PLGA nanocapsules—reaching larger dimension in the sample with the higher magnetic load—and that the dipolar interactions rule the magnetization process and ...

Glutathione and pH-responsive chitosan-based nanogel as an efficient nanoplatform for controlled delivery of doxorubicin

Incomplete delivery of drugs to the cancerous tissue and the drug resistance mechanisms limit the medical applications of anticancer drugs. Colloidal systems offers many advantages owing to the non-invasive way of drug administration as well as centralized delivery of anti-cancer drugs to tumor tissue. Nanogels (Ngs) as a part of these colloidal systems have a good perspective for their ability to incorporate and encapsulate low-molecular-mass drugs, bio-macromolecules, and proteins. Therefore, we developed pH and redox-responsive Ngs to provide a hopeful prospect for targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs in cancer cells. For this purpose, chitosan (CS) was first modified with a chain transfer agent (CTA) and then, the polymerization of 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer occurred to create (CTS-g-PHEMA). Hydroxyl groups of HEMA reacted with maleic anhydride molecules to prepare CTS-g-PHEMA-maleic acid (MAc). Finally, the double bonds of MAc were used for the grafting of N, N′ bis(acryloyl) cystamine (BAC) as a crosslinker agent to prepare redox-sensitive Ngs. The biocompatibility, chemical structures, DOX loading capacity, content of the drug released and in-vitro cytotoxicity effects were also studied. As a result, it is expected that Ngs can be applied as a potential nanomedicine carrier for the treatment of cancer.

Synthesis of porphyrin-conjugated silica-coated Au nanorods for synergistic photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy of tumor

Synergistic therapy of tumor has attracted the attention of an increasing number of researchers because of its higher efficiency compared to single therapy. Herein, 4-carboxyphenyl porphyrin-conjugated silica-coated gold nanorods (AuNR@SiO2-TCPP) were synthesized. The synergistic treatment of photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy on A549 cancer was researched in vivo and in vitro. In the AuNR@SiO2-TCPP, Au NRs and TCPP act as photothermal agent and photosensitizer, respectively. The temperature of the AuNR@SiO2-TCPP (0.11 nmol L−1) rises to 56.8 °C for 10 min under the illumination of 808 nm laser (2 Wcm−2). In MTT assays, the viability of A549 cancer cell treated with AuNR@SiO2-TCPP (100 μg ml−1) is only 21%. In animal experiments, the relative tumor volumes in mice receiving AuNR@SiO2-TCPP (5 mg kg−1) with 660 and 808 nm irradiations were significantly inhibited and the average value is decreased to 0.78 while the average value of the control group is increased to 7.2. These results demonstrate that the AuNR@SiO2-TCPP is a potential nanomedicine against tumor for clinical application in the near future.

Leveraging the interplay of nanotechnology and neuroscience: Designing new avenues for treating central nervous system disorders.

Nanotechnology has the potential to open many novel diagnostic and treatment avenues for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, we discuss recent developments in the applications of nanotechnology in CNS therapies, diagnosis and biology. Novel approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroinflammation, brain dysfunction, psychiatric conditions, brain cancer, and nerve injury provide insights into the potential of nanomedicine. We also highlight nanotechnology-enabled neuroscience techniques such as electrophysiology and intracellular sampling to improve our understanding of the brain and its components. With nanotechnology integrally involved in the advancement of basic neuroscience and the development of novel treatments, combined diagnostic and therapeutic applications have begun to emerge. Nanotheranostics for the brain, able to achieve single-cell resolution, will hasten the rate in which we can diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases. Taken together, the recent advances highlighted in this review demonstrate the prospect for significant improvements to clinical diagnosis and treatment of a vast array of neurological diseases. However, it is apparent that a strong dialogue between the nanoscience and neuroscience communities will be critical for the development of successful nanotherapeutics that move to the clinic, benefit patients, and address unmet needs in CNS disorders.