About this Research Topic
Several nanomaterials have been utilized as nanomedicines, encompassing organic, inorganic, polymeric, and carbon-based material, as well as extracellular vesicles, liposomes, red blood cell membranes, and metal nanostructures. The use of nanomaterials for drug delivery significantly enhances pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution in comparison to freely administered drugs within the central nervous system (CNS). The current trend in nanotechnology has shifted towards more advanced nano-systems, such as dendrimers, nanoemulsions, nano gels, and nanosuspensions. Traditional therapies have limited ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and lack efficacy in neuronal repair and regeneration. Consequently, functionalized nanomaterials hold promise as potential drug delivery vehicles, serving both in vivo and in vitro applications. The integration of nanotechnology with stem cell therapy is increasingly utilized to reconstruct neural circuits and elicit specific cellular responses.
In summary, the scope of nanomedicine is vast and continues to evolve at an exhilarating pace. From vaccines to targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, imaging, regenerative medicine, and beyond, the goal of this issue is to focus the role of nanomedicine and nanotechnology to target the CNS. As we delve deeper into this dynamic field, it is imperative to maintain a vigilant eye on ethical and safety considerations, ensuring that the potential benefits of nanomedicines are harnessed responsibly for the betterment of global health.
This Research Topic invites original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that demonstrate the versatility and impact of nanomedicine in addressing critical challenges in healthcare. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Novel approaches for overcoming biological barriers.
• Imaging agents for early disease detection and monitoring.
• Blood-brain barrier permeable nanocarriers for drug delivery.
• Nanoparticles for neuroimaging
• Nano-therapeutics for treating CNS disorders such as stroke, tumor, epilepsy
• Nano-therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s
disease, Parkinson’s disease, neuroHIV, multiple sclerosis
• Nanomedicine-based immunotherapy for CNS disorders
Keywords: Nanomedicine, Central Nervous System, Nanotechnology, Biological Barriers, Nanocarriers, Neuroimaging, Nano-therapeutics
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.