Due to the impermeable structure and barrier function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the delivery of therapeutic molecules into the CNS is extremely limited. Nanodelivery systems are regarded as the most effective and versatile carriers for the CNS, as they can transport cargo molecules across the BBB via various mechanisms. This review emphasizes the multi-functionalization strategies of nanodelivery systems and combinatorial approaches for the delivery of therapeutic drugs and genes into the CNS. The characteristics and functions of the BBB and underlying mechanisms of molecular translocation across the BBB are also described.
Keywords: blood–brain barrier; carbon nanomaterials; central nervous system; combinatorial strategies; dendrimers; inorganic nanoparticles; lipid/polymer-based nanoparticles; multifunctionalization; nanodelivery systems; quantum-dots.