Exploring Nanoscale Solutions for Brain Targeting

In spite of a strong commitment of research in this field, the therapy and diagnosis of brain diseases or dysfunctions is strongly hampered by the difficulty to deliver drugs or probes to the central nervous system (CNS). Advancements in nanotechnology represent a promising approach in modern medicine, offering potential solutions to the formidable challenge of effectively targeting the brain. Through the precise design of nanoparticles, researchers have made significant progress in developing delivery systems capable of bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a crucial fence between the CNS and the bloodstream. Nanoparticles engineered with surface modifications, such as ligands or coatings, have facilitated the targeted delivery by exploiting different transport mechanisms, enhancing drug penetration into the brain parenchyma. Furthermore, the versatility of nano- and biomaterials allows for the encapsulation of various payloads, including small molecules, nucleic acids, and biologics, enabling tailored therapeutic strategies for several neurological conditions. However, alongside these advancements, significant hurdles persist in the field of nanotechnology for brain targeting. One major challenge lies in achieving optimal biocompatibility and safety profiles for nanocarriers, as concerns regarding potential toxicity and immunogenicity remain paramount. Additionally, ensuring the stability and controlled release of therapeutic payloads within the complex neural environment is a formidable task, requiring careful design and engineering of nanoscale delivery systems. Moreover, the heterogeneity of neurological diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain tumours ) and individual patient variability needed personalized approaches, poses logistical and regulatory challenges in translating laboratory innovations to clinical applications. Finally, the amount of pharmaceuticals delivered to the brain are still too low for the needs of pharmacology. As technologies evolve and our understanding of the complexity of brain biology deepens, the prospect of harnessing nanotechnology to deliver targeted therapies to the brain holds immense potential to revolutionize the landscape of neurological healthcare. This Topical Collection aims to gather ongoing research efforts committed to the development of next-generation nano- and bio-therapeutics for brain targeting, fostering collaborations across disciplines, including materials science, pharmacology, biochemistry and neurology.

Keywords: Nanomedicine, nanoparticles, brain, blood-brain barrier, drug delivery systems, biomaterials.