The Use of Microbial Nanoparticles to Treat Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis mainly cause progressive damage to the neuronal cells and subsequently lead to reduced cognitive function, motor skills, and behavior. These disorders have a distinct pathophysiological mechanism and can be managed symptomatically with the available drugs. Although most of the drugs have shown promising results in managing this disorder majority of drugs face challenges in getting access to the target brain cells. Furthermore, due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, these drugs accumulate in unwanted tissues and hence present significant toxic effects. Nanotechnology has revolutionized drug targeting especially the brain targeting of drugs. Nanosized formulations can easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles can be precisely synthesized in such a way as to target the specific area for higher efficiency which improves the treatments while minimizing side effects as well. The current book chapter focuses on the various limitations registered during managing and treating neurological disorders. The chapter also highlights the role of nanotechnology in improving the efficiency of drugs designed to fight neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.