Application of Nanotechnology in Acquired Brain Injuries

Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) are the result of damage to the brain tissue that usually occur after birth. Causes of ABIs include traumatic and non-traumatic events. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is described as an alteration in brain structure and function caused by an external force. On the other hand, a non-traumatic brain injury induces damage to the brain tissue by internal factors, such as oxygen deprivation, alcohol consumption, and drug use. Complex pathological processes in ABIs involve a wide range of cellular and molecular pathways. ABIs can lead to neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Up to now, no cure treatment is available to restore the brain after ABIs. Recently, nanotechnology has been receiving more and more attention in improving pathological changes for the traumatic event of ABIs. The complex pathology of ABIs may provide opportunities for therapeutic delivery via nanoparticles (NP) and nano-scaffolds. Up to now, translational studies have shown that improved NP-mediated delivery could increase target engagement; however, some critical parameters should be mentioned for translating into clinical uses. The focus of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive review of nanotechnology-based strategies (i.e., nano-scaffolds and nano-particles) in ABIs caused by trauma from experimental and clinical studies. Furthermore, both passive and active delivery of various NPs as well as different types of nano-scaffolds in the context of ABIs caused by trauma are discussed.