• Nanocarrier-Based Intranasal Drug Delivery for Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of Novel Approaches to Overcome the Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Samin Hamidi,1,*
    1. Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran


  • Introduction: Psychiatric disorders present significant challenges in delivering therapeutics to the brain due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and limitations associated with traditional routes of administration. The BBB, a highly selective semipermeable border of endothelial cells, prevents many drugs from reaching their targets in the central nervous system. This barrier has long been a major obstacle in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses. In recent years, the nose-to-brain channel, also known as intranasal delivery, has emerged as a promising approach to overcome these barriers. This method offers a direct pathway to the brain, bypassing the BBB and potentially improving the efficacy of psychiatric treatments. Intranasal delivery has garnered significant attention in the field of neuropharmacology due to its non-invasive nature and potential for rapid drug absorption. The advent of nanotechnology has further enhanced the potential of intranasal delivery. Nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanoemulsions, offer unique advantages for delivering therapeutic agents to the brain via the intranasal route. These nanocarriers can protect drugs from degradation, enhance their solubility, and facilitate their transport across biological membranes, potentially leading to improved bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes in psychiatric disorders.
  • Methods: his review employed a comprehensive literature search strategy to gather relevant information on nanocarrier-based intranasal drug delivery for psychiatric disorders. The methodology involved conducting preliminary searches on major scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Key search terms and phrases included "psychiatric disorders," "intranasal delivery," "nose-to-brain drug delivery," "nano formulations for intranasal delivery," "nanocarriers in psychiatric treatment," "blood-brain barrier," and combinations thereof. The search was limited to articles published in English, with a focus on recent publications to ensure the most up-to-date information was included. The review process involved screening titles and abstracts to identify relevant studies, followed by a full-text review of selected articles. Studies discussing various types of nanocarriers, their applications in intranasal delivery for psychiatric disorders, and their potential advantages over traditional drug delivery methods were included. Additionally, articles exploring the mechanisms of nose-to-brain transport and the challenges associated with this delivery route were considered.
  • Results: The review highlights several key findings regarding nanocarrier-based intranasal drug delivery for psychiatric disorders: Advantages of Intranasal Delivery: The intranasal drug delivery pathway emerges as a non-invasive, reliable, and efficient method for targeting the brain. By bypassing the BBB, this route offers potential advantages in terms of rapid onset of action and reduced systemic side effects compared to traditional oral or intravenous administration. Types of Nanocarriers: Various novel nanocarrier-based formulations have shown promise for intranasal delivery of psychiatric medications. These include: a) Polymeric nanoparticles: Biodegradable polymers that can encapsulate drugs and protect them from degradation. b) Liposomes: Lipid-based vesicles that can enhance drug solubility and permeability. c) Nanoemulsions: Submicron-sized emulsions that can improve drug absorption. d) In-situ gels: Formulations that gel upon contact with nasal mucosa, prolonging drug residence time. e) Hydrogels: Networks of hydrophilic polymers that can control drug release. Application in Psychiatric Disorders: Nanocarrier-based intranasal delivery systems have shown potential in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions, including: a) Mood disorders: Enhanced delivery of antidepressants and mood stabilizers. b) Anxiety disorders: Improved targeting of anxiolytic medications. c) Schizophrenia: Better delivery of antipsychotic drugs to the brain. d) Other psychiatric illnesses: Potential applications in ADHD, addiction, and neurodegenerative disorders with psychiatric symptoms. Mechanisms of Action: The review discusses the potential mechanisms by which nanocarriers enhance drug delivery via the intranasal route, including: a) Increased drug solubility and stability b) Enhanced mucoadhesion and residence time in the nasal cavity c) Improved transport across the nasal epithelium d) Targeted delivery to specific regions of the brain Challenges and Future Directions: While promising, the review also identifies several challenges that need to be addressed for the widespread adoption of nanocarrier-based intranasal delivery in psychiatric treatment, including: a) Optimization of nanocarrier formulations for specific drugs and disorders b) Evaluation of long-term safety and efficacy in clinical trials c) Development of standardized production methods for consistent nanocarrier quality d) Regulatory considerations for approval of novel nanoformulations.
  • Conclusion: Nanocarrier-based intranasal drug delivery presents a promising approach for overcoming the challenges associated with treating psychiatric disorders. By bypassing the blood-brain barrier and offering targeted delivery to the brain, this method has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various mental health conditions. The use of nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanoemulsions can enhance the efficacy of psychiatric medications while potentially reducing systemic side effects. However, further research is needed to fully realize the potential of this approach. Clinical trials are necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of nanocarrier-based intranasal formulations in psychiatric populations. Additionally, optimization of nanocarrier designs for specific drugs and disorders will be crucial for maximizing therapeutic outcomes. As research in this field progresses, nanocarrier-based intranasal delivery may offer new hope for patients with psychiatric disorders who have not responded adequately to traditional treatment methods. This innovative approach has the potential to improve drug targeting, enhance bioavailability, and ultimately lead to better clinical outcomes in the field of psychiatry.
  • Keywords: Nose-to-Brain drug delivery, psychiatric disorders, nano drug delivery systems