Biomimetic nanoparticles for targeted CNS therapy: overcoming the blood-brain barrier to reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress

The recovery of neural functions after trauma, neurodegenerative diseases, or neuroinflammation is limited by the inefficacy of conventional pharmacological strategies to reach the brain. In order to overcome current therapeutic limitations, we have developed a biomimetic nanotechnology platform for targeted drug delivery to diseased neural tissues. Our biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) were engineered to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. In vivo biodistributionanalyses confirmed NP accumulation in the brain following both intranasal administrationand tail injection, highlighting their potential for non-invasive CNS drug delivery. From a mechanistic standpoint, in vitro analysis demonstrated that biomimetic NPs were effectively taken up by inflamed CNS cells, as demonstrated by cytofluorimetric analysis and confocal microscopy. With a payload of dexamethasone, our NPs reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress markers. Notably, treated inflamed CNS cells exhibited upregulated antioxidant levels and anti-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that our biomimetic NPs can also promote a neuroprotective environment. These findings highlight the potential of biomimetic nanotechnology as an advanced therapeutic approach for treating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders mediated by oxidative stress. By targeting the CNS and mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, this platform enables the treatment of both key drivers of neurodegeneration simultaneously, offering a dual-action strategy that enhances therapeutic efficacy.