Biomaterials for Treatments of Neurodegenerative Disorders

The function of a biomaterial has been expected from simply providing a passive structural support to actively modulating biological responses covering many aspects including but not limited to treatments of neurodegenerative disorders. This article reviews the advances of various biomedical materials relevant to treatments of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These progressive diseases pose multifaceted challenges, including the limited regenerative capacity and the formidable blood–brain barrier (BBB). The review introduces the interdisciplinary progress of brain-targeted biomaterials, encompassing synthetic polymers, biologically derived carriers, and inorganic nanoparticles, with particular attention to their roles in overcoming BBB penetration and enabling precise drug delivery. In parallel, we discuss neuroprotective and regenerative biomaterials that promote extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, enhance neuronal survival, and guide neural regeneration. In addition, biomaterials are being integral to the next generation of brain–machine interfaces or brain–computer interfaces, where the materials are used to improve device biocompatibility and long-term stability. The review also covers advances in deep brain stimulation and implantable neuro-prostheses for functional restoration of neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we propose perspectives: ① integration of stimuli-responsive materials with biological carriers for precise and targeted drug delivery; ② prioritization of material–tissue interactions to enhance the safety and functionality of neuro-devices; ③ biomimetic design of ECM-inspired materials with neuroprotective and regenerative capacities; ④ investigation of dynamic interfaces between brain tissue and external implants to improve long-term performance of medical devices; and ⑤ convergence of artificial intelligence, organ-on-chip platforms, and biomaterials to accelerate translational research.