Search

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a combination of physical and electrostatic barriers. It is a highly complex structure that tightly regulates the movement of molecules from the blood to brain, protecting it from injuries and diseases. However, the BBB also significantly precludes the delivery of drugs to the brain, thus, preventing the therapy of a number of neurological disorders like brain cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia etc. Numerous drug delivery strategies have been developed to circumvent this barrier. Out of those, one popular approach is the use of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles form solid, colloidal drug delivery system that consists of macromolecular materials in which the active principle is dissolved, entrapped or encapsulated or onto which the active principle is adsorbed or attached. Brain targeted polymeric nanoparticles have been found to increase the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the toxicity for a large number of drugs. By coating the nanoparticles with surfactants, higher concentrations of the drugs can be delivered. The article presents various approaches used in design and delivery of nanoparticles to brain. It also reviews various patents that describe the use of nanoparticles to deliver various neurotherapeutics to brain.

Hemoglobin, the protein responsible for the red color of blood plays a very important part in 'life'- it transports oxygen, without which humans cannot survive. The idea of using purified Hemoglobin as a possible universal substitute for red blood cells has been around for almost a century. Hemoglobin formulations have important therapeutic applications, especially in case of trauma and war when requirements for blood may be very large. Manufacture of hemoglobin for use as a biopharmaceutical poses practical challenges, owing to dependence on human expired blood and fragility of the protein molecule. Biotechnology can play a critical role in breaking these barriers, by not only ensuring recombinant production of hemoglobin, but also enhancing stability of the molecule. The present article, based on a review of patents and available literature gives an insight into the IPR and technological issues involved in the commercial production of this 'life-saving' protein. There are more than 250 patents worldwide related to hemoglobin formulation, cross-linking and determination.

The brain is one of the least accessible organs of the body, thus making the delivery of neurotherapeutics almost a challenge. Despite its relatively high nutrient support and exchange requirements, the uptake of any compound is strictly regulated by the blood brain barrier (BBB). As a consequence, BBB prevents effective treatment of many severe and life threatening diseases like brain cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia etc. Numerous drug delivery strategies have been developed to circumvent this barrier. One such approach is the use of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles form solid, colloidal drug delivery system that consists of macromolecular materials in which the active principle is dissolved, entrapped or encapsulated or onto which the active principle is adsorbed or attached. Brain targeted polymeric nanoparticles have been found to increase the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the toxicity for a large number of drugs. By coating the nanoparticles with surfactants, higher concentrations of drugs can be delivered to the brain. The article presents various approaches used in design and delivery of nanoparticles to brain. It also reviews various patents that describe the use of nanoparticles to deliver various neurotherapeutics and neurodiagnostics to brain.