Nanoparticles and the blood-brain barrier: Advancing from in-vitro models towards therapeutic significance

  • David J. Mc Carthy
  • , Meenakshi Malhotra
  • , Aoife M. O'Mahony
  • , John F. Cryan
  • , Caitriona M. O'Driscoll

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier is a unique cell-based restrictive barrier that prevents the entry of many substances, including most therapeutics, into the central nervous system. A wide range of nanoparticulate delivery systems have been investigated with the aim of targeting therapeutics (drugs, nucleic acids, proteins) to the brain following administration by various routes. This review provides a comprehensive description of the design and formulation of these nanoparticles including the rationale behind individual approaches. In addition, the ability of currently available in-vitro BBB models to accurately predict the in-vivo performance of targeted nanoparticles is critically assessed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1161-1185
Number of pages25
JournalPharmaceutical Research
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2015

Keywords

  • Blood-brain barrier
  • Drug delivery to the CNS
  • In vitro models
  • Targeted nanoparticles
  • Transcytosis

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