Lipid Nanoparticles: Versatile Drug Delivery Vehicles for Traversing the Blood Brain Barrier to Treat Brain Cancer

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge in delivering therapeutic agents for brain diseases due to its high selectivity against foreign substances. This limitation greatly hampers the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in treating brain cancers. In response, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a promising approach, offering opportunities for targeted drug delivery by conjugating targeting ligands onto their surface. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in utilizing LNPs to traverse the BBB for enhanced transport of bioactive compounds into the brain, specifically for cancer treatments. Beginning with an exploration of the biological structure and functions of the BBB and the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB), the review highlights the advantages presented by LNPs. Subsequently, it delves into strategies for surface modification of nanoparticles to enhance BBB targeting and improve efficacy in brain cancer treatment. Finally, the review offers insights into future prospects for designing the next generation of LNPs. The review presented herein aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts in overcoming the challenges associated with BBB penetration, ultimately advancing therapeutic strategies for brain cancer and other neurological disorders.