Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Based Nose-To-Brain Drug Delivery System: An Emerging Strategy for Central Nervous System Disorders

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a formidable obstacle in the pharmaceutical domain for addressing central nervous system (CNS) pathologies, as approximately 98% of macromolecular compounds and exceeding 99% of small molecular entities are unable to traverse it using standard administration routes[1][2]. Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) in conjunction with intranasal administration signify a revolutionary approach in targeting the CNS by circumventing the BBB through olfactory and trigeminal neuronal channels. This thorough examination explores contemporary approaches to intranasal nose-to-brain delivery employing NLC-based systems, encompassing nasal anatomy, preparation techniques, analytical procedures, and clinical use in various neurological conditions. NLCs manifest considerable benefits relative to initial-generation solid lipid nanoparticles, demonstrating improved physical consistency, increased capacity for pharmaceutical payloads, and superior compatibility with biological systems. The convergence of nanoscale technologies with intranasal administration strategies presents an advantageous method for enhancing medication effectiveness in treating brain disorders while diminishing systemic toxicity. Current breakthroughs in molecular surface engineering, multi-agent delivery approaches, environmentally-responsive formulations, and visualization methodologies continue to broaden the healing applications of NLC-based intranasal methods. Notwithstanding substantial progress in laboratory settings, progression to human trials remains a critical hurdle demanding stringent verification of safety and therapeutic outcomes, refinement of manufacturing procedures, and adherence to regulatory requirements for intranasal colloidal formulations.