Nanomedicine for CNS Disorders: Targeted Strategies for Improved Drug Delivery

The inability of drug delivery systems using nanoparticles to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), among other related barriers, has limited their application in the treatment of CNS disorders. This review outlines recent advances in the use of nanotechnology for drug delivery to the CNS, highlighting key nanoparticle formulations such as liposomes, dendrimers, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs), and Polymeric Nanoparticles (PNPs). It also covers targeting mechanisms through the attachment of ligands or conjugation of antibodies, further increasing specificity and therapeutic efficacy. Key findings show that nanoparticles engineered for drug delivery may significantly enhance drug accumulation at target sites while reducing systemic side effects. Carbon nanotubes and exosomes are among the newer materials that show promise in improving drug delivery performance. The review also emphasizes the integration of nanomedicine with personalized medicine approaches, demonstrating how nanoformulations could be tailored to individual patient profiles. However, toxicity and biocompatibility issues remain critical concerns that require detailed safety assessments before clinical use. This review emphasizes, to the full, the transformational potential of nanoparticle-based systems in redefining CNS therapeutics and points to further research on innovative strategies. The prospects include hybrid nanocarriers, optimization of targeting mechanisms, and, most importantly, the combination of nanomedicine with gene therapy or immunotherapy, which may lead to improved therapeutic outcomes for various complex neurological disorders.