New Horizons in the Treatment of Neurological Disorders with Tailorable Gold Nanoparticles

Curr Drug Metab. 2021;22(12):931-938. doi: 10.2174/1389200222666210525123416.

Abstract

Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, occur due to disorganization of the neurons in the nervous system. Disturbances in the nervous system cause problems with the memory, senses and moods. In order to treat such disorders, scientists have been working extensively, utilizing different approaches. Nanoneurotechnology has emerged as a promising tool to manage these complicated disorders, where nanoparticles with their tunable properties such as size, shape, increased solubility, biodegradability, surface area and sharp penetration through the biological barriers, target the central nervous system. This technology targets damaged neurons without affecting healthy neurons and the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). In this review, we discuss neurological disorders and challenges in their diagnosis and treatment by emphasizing on the role of tailorable gold nanoparticles in therapeutic drug approaches.

Keywords: Neurodegeneration; blood brain barrier; gold nanoparticles; nanotechnology; neurological disorders; therapeutic drug approaches..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Gold / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use*
  • Nanotechnology* / methods
  • Nanotechnology* / trends
  • Nervous System Diseases / therapy*

Substances

  • Gold