ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lipid nanoparticles have been studied mainly as a means of transporting and releasing drugs. A special emphasis has been placed on designing nanoparticles that improve the delivery of drugs with targets in the central nervous system. METHODS: The biomedical literature was searched for basic and clinical studies. The recent applications are described and related with their bioactivities. RESULTS: The current review compiles data on the components and features of lipid nanoparticle systems as well as the necessary conditions for their selective action. As an example of their application, we present data from preclinical and clinical studies on lipid nanoparticles used as potent and efficient agents in the diagnosis and treatment of some neurodegenerative maladies, including Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports the application of lipid nanoparticles for designing drugs carriers for neurodegenerative diseases. Also, we have gathered data that suggests a role of drug-free lipid nanoparticles as neuroprotective or preventive agents during neurodegenerative processes.
