Perspective Chapter: Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery through Liposomes - Recent Applications

Abstract

Diseases related to the brain are causing a huge problem worldwide. Different drug formulations are available for the management of brain-related disorders, but due to less drug availability for the brain and non-specificity, it becomes difficult to completely cure life-threatening brain disorders. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts the entry of drug molecules/drug-loaded carriers because of the presence of various efflux transporters and drug inactivating enzymes. Researchers have identified an intranasal route for direct delivery to the brain, bypassing BBB. Nanotechnology-enabled lipid-based drug carrier systems have shown potential for the management of brain diseases through nose-to-brain delivery. Liposomes are the most extensively investigated carrier systems because of biocompatibility, controlled release characteristics , easy surface modification, and biodegradability. This chapter highlights the important aspects of nose-to-brain delivery and strategies for enhancing the availability of drugs through liposomes in the management of different brain-related diseases.