Nano-enabled drug delivery systems for brain cancer and Alzheimer’s disease: research patterns and opportunities

“Tech mining” applies bibliometric and text analytic methods to scientific literature of a target field. In this study, we compare the evolution of nano-enabled drug delivery (NEDD) systems for two different applications – viz., brain cancer (BC) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) – using this approach. In this process, we derive research intelligence from papers indexed in MEDLINE. Review by domain specialists helps understand the macro-level disease problems and pathologies to identify commonalities and differences between BC and AD. Results provide a fresh perspective on the developmental pathways for NEDD approaches that have been used in the treatment of BC and AD. Results also point toward finding future solutions to drug delivery issues that are critical to medical practitioners and pharmaceutical scientists addressing the brain.From the Clinical EditorDrug delivery to brain cells has been very challenging due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Suitable and effective nano-enabled drug delivery (NEDD) system is urgently needed. In this study, the authors utilized "tech-mining" tools to describe and compare various choices of delivery system available for the diagnosis, as well as treatment, of brain cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Graphical AbstractThe NEDD brain delivery framework is constructed with several parts. Nanoparticles and other nanocarriers are loaded with different drugs and then ligands are attached to assemble a fully workable delivery system. Text analytic methods elucidate 17 topics on NEDD for brain cancer (BC) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mainly focusing on developing delivery systems. We also analyze similarities and differences between BC and AD on a macro level to reveal some potential NEDD applications and substitutes.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (219 K)Download as PowerPoint slide