L-DOPA functionalized, multi-branched gold nanoparticles as brain-targeted nano-vehicles

There is an urgent need to develop vehicles capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for specific brain delivery of therapies against disorders such as Parkinson's disease. We have developed multi-branched gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with the BBB-targeting ligand L-DOPA and demonstrate their efficient and ligand-dependent transportation across the BBB. Furthermore, we demonstrate efficient uptake of L-DOPA-AuNPs by brain macrophages without induction of inflammation. These results lay the foundations for developing L-DOPA-functionalized AuNPs as an efficient and safe platform for the delivery of therapies into the brain.236