Intranasal delivery of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles for the management of CNS-related diseases: Theranostic and toxicity issues

ObjectiveThe main objective of this article was to explore the therapeutic potential of intranasally administered metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders.Significance of reviewMetal/metal oxide NPs offer new possibilities for brain imaging and targeted drug delivery. These NPs can be delivered intranasally with minimal invasiveness, offering a patient-friendly approach for therapeutic applications. The current article synthesizes research studies on the potential of intranasal metal/metal oxide NPs for treating CNS disorders, focusing on their unique features, transport pathways, therapeutic and diagnostic benefits, and neurotoxicological challenges.Key findingsThe small size and high surface area of metal/metal oxide NPs enable efficient drug encapsulation and direct delivery to the brain via the olfactory and trigeminal pathways, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. These NPs exhibit tunable surface chemistry, allowing functionalization with ligands or coatings to enhance biocompatibility and reduce neurotoxicity. Additionally, these NPs can show inherent therapeutic properties, such as antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects, which further support neuroprotection.ConclusionsIntranasal delivery of metallic NPs is an emerging strategy for drug delivery and imaging, particularly for targeting CNS disorders. However, the development of novel NPs with minimal neurotoxicity is crucial to ensuring their safety and efficacy for clinical applications.