Liposomes for brain delivery

Abstract

Over the last decade, there have been significant developments concerning liposomal brain delivery systems conjugated with selected ligands with high specificity and low immunogenicity. An universally useful liposomal formulation for brain targeting does not exist but liposome design must be modulated by the appropriate choice of the specific homing device and transport mechanism.

Managing CNS Tumors: The Nanomedicine Approach

“…Consequently, despite the large number of available biomaterials for nanomedicines preparation, only a few are suitable for brain tumor treatment because the CNS requires conservative choices with a proven track record of clinical safety. Nanomedicines developed for brain delivery mainly belong to three categories: polymerbased, lipid-based and metal-based, according to their major excipient ( Overall, lipid-based nanomedicines may well be the most suitable for CNS drug delivery; insofar as lipids have very low toxicity, are biocompatible and biodegradable by nature, and the commercially available lipid-based formulations show a solid track record of clinical safety [18][19][20], whereas at present, only a few of the studied polymers for the development of polymer-based nanomedicines for brain drug delivery have demonstrated biocompatible, biodegradable, and nontoxic properties to be approved by the FDA for clinical use [21][22][23]. On the other hand, since the lack of biodegradation may not be appropriate for long-term administration, most metal-based nanomedicines (such as magnetic nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles) have been made more biocompatible and water-soluble with polymer coating [24].…”

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

“…39 Many techniques are used to target liposomes across the BBB. These strategic techniques include the conjugation of drugs and monoclonal antibodies against endogenous receptors in the BBB 173,274,275 or liposomes or other nanodevices coated with polysorbate 80, cationic macromolecules, peptides, or antibodies against BBB receptors or Aβ peptides 173,[276][277][278][279] to cross the BBB and to be targeted to the brain.…”

In vitro evaluation of cationic liposomal delivery of BDNF expressing plasmid DNA in experimental model of Parkinson's disease

“…[5] Based on the BDNF deficit observed in PD patients at the nigrostriatal level, the likelihood to administer recombinant BDNF in order to preserve dopaminergic neurons and improve symptoms of the disease might well represent a therapeutic opportunity. [5] 3.6 The blood-brain barrier components of a neurovascular unit [7] The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is primarily composed of the brain endothelial cells. Extracellular base membrane, adjacent pericytes, perivascular astrocytes, and microglia are the other structures, which constitute the neurovascular unit that is an integral part of the BBB.…”

“…Extracellular base membrane, adjacent pericytes, perivascular astrocytes, and microglia are the other structures, which constitute the neurovascular unit that is an integral part of the BBB. This contributes in the formation of a physical and metabolic barrier, which seems to be of primary importance in the maintenance of brain functionality [7,8] .…”

“…[7,9,10,11,12,13] Different mechanisms for drug delivery across the BBB are illustrated in the image below: Figure 5. Different mechanisms for drug delivery across the BBB [2] …”