Advances in nanocarrier-based nose-to-brain drug delivery systems for neurological disorders - A comprehensive review

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Abstract

One promising technology to address the limitations of conventional drug delivery for central nervous system (CNS) disorders is the nose-to-brain drug delivery system. The anatomical advantages of the nasal route, which enable direct transport of therapeutics from the nasal cavity to the brain while bypassing the blood-brain barrier, underpin the growing interest in this innovative approach. This review emphasizes the significance of the nasal cavity's structural features, particularly its rich vascularization and high permeability, which facilitate rapid drug absorption and a swift onset of action, making it a viable pathway for neurological treatments. It also examines the roles of various nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, lipid nanocapsules, cubosomes, nanoemulsions, nanogels, exosomes, gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, in enhancing drug delivery efficiency and targeting precision within this system. To mitigate the potential toxicity of nanoparticles to the nasal mucosa, the review discusses recent advances in formulation strategies, including surface modification, the use of advanced materials, tailoring particle characteristics, and designing novel formulations to optimize release kinetics, drug stability, and targeting specificity. These strategies aim to improve absorption while minimizing adverse effects.

Keywords

Drug delivery system, Intranasal delivery, Nanoformulations, Nanoparticles, Nose-to-brain

Publication Title

Powder Technology

ISSN

0032-5910

DOI

10.1016/j.powtec.2026.122244

Volume

474

Publisher

Elsevier

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS