How Can Nanotechnology Help in Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier?
Nanotechnology offers promising solutions for crossing the BBB. Nanoparticles can be engineered to facilitate drug delivery to the brain by exploiting various mechanisms such as:
Receptor-mediated transport: Nanoparticles can be functionalized with ligands that bind to specific receptors on the endothelial cells of the BBB, enabling receptor-mediated endocytosis. Adsorptive-mediated transcytosis: Positively charged nanoparticles can interact with the negatively charged cell membrane, facilitating their transport across the BBB. Nanocarriers: Liposomes, dendrimers, and polymeric nanoparticles can encapsulate drugs, protecting them from degradation and enhancing their permeability across the BBB.
