The primary reason for the failure of traditional medicine in treating the disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) is the obstruction to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Due to the unique physiochemical properties of nanoparticles, they can preferably help deliver drugs passing through the BBB. Researchers have been investigating the capacity of multifunctional nanomaterials as theranostical agents. However, some of the studies have reported controversial results, which might be due to different schematic designs, including size, surface charge, and shape. This review summarizes the applications of nanoparticles to overcome the BBB or contribute to improving the diagnostic and therapeutic effects in CNS diseases.
Keywords: blood-brain barrier; central nervous system; drug delivery system; nanomedicine; theranostical efficacy.