Nanotheranostics revolutionizing neurodegenerative diseases: From precision diagnosis to targeted therapies

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders pose a significant burden on global healthcare systems, and the development of effective therapeutics and diagnostics remains a critical challenge. Nanotheranostics, the integration of nanotechnology-based diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, has emerged as a promising strategy to address these challenges. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest advancements in nanotheranostics for the treatment and monitoring of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The application of targeted drug delivery systems, gene therapy, and non-invasive imaging techniques are explored in-depth, highlighting the potential of nanotheranostics to revolutionize the management of neurological disorders. The article delves into the design and synthesis of various nanocarriers, such as liposomes, dendrimers, and polymeric nanoparticles, which enable the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier. Gene therapy approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA interference demonstrating the potential of nanotheranostics to enable precise genetic modifications in the treatment of neurological disorders. Additionally, non-invasive imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), are examined in the context of their integration with nanotheranostics for real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy and disease progression. The review also identifies current challenges and limitations in the field of nanotheranostics, such as toxicity, immunogenicity, and issues with large-scale production. Furthermore, it outlines future research directions and potential strategies to overcome these limitations, paving the way for the clinical translation of nanotheranostics as next-generation therapeutics in neurological disorders. � 2023