Challenges and opportunities in nanotherapeutics targeted for central nervous system disorders

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders represent some of the most challenging problems for modern medicine. The complexity of the CNS structure, incomplete understanding of disease, chronic neuroinflammation, and physiological barriers limiting drug delivery all contribute to the difficulty of treating neurological diseases. This review covers the neuroanatomical barriers of the CNS and discusses current treatments, shortcomings of these treatments, recent clinical trials, and opportunities for nanotherapeutic approaches in common CNS disorders. Focus is placed on selected CNS disorders stemming from trauma, neurodegenerative diseases and infectious diseases. The review concludes with a summary and perspectives on the nanotherapeutics development highlighting key challenges and future directions for the field.