Submitted:
17 July 2025
Posted:
18 July 2025
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Abstract
Keywords:
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
3. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Injury: Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
4. Nanotechnology for Ultra-Precise Diagnosis
5. Targeted Multi-Modal Therapeutic Strategies
5.1. Nanoparticle-Based Targeted Delivery for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
5.2. Electro-Nanohybrid Stimulation
6. Nanotechnological Strategies for CNS Drug Delivery
7. AI-Guided Personalized Nanomedicine
8. Integration with Conventional Therapies and Personalized Nanomedicine
8.1. Physical Rehabilitation
9. Discussion
10. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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| Parameter | BBB (Blood-Brain Barrier) | BSCB (Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier) |
| Structure | Continuous endothelium with tight junctions; highly selective | Similar to BBB, slightly more permeable under physiological conditions |
| Therapeutic challenge | Blocks over 98% of systemically administered drugs | Less restrictive but still limits large or hydrophilic molecules |
| Nanoparticle strategy | Functionalization with ligands for receptor-mediated transcytosis (e.g., transferrin) | Exploitation of increased permeability after injury |
| Entry mechanism | Receptor-mediated transcytosis across endothelial cells | Passive diffusion through transiently disrupted barrier |
| Optimal timing | Constant, but difficult without targeting ligands | Subacute phase: hours to days post-injury, during inflammation |
| Clinical applications | Alzheimer's, brain tumors, encephalitis | Spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal inflammation |
| Nanotherapy advantages | Targeted access with potential for theranostic monitoring | High efficiency when administered during post-injury permeability window |
| Nanoparticle Type | Therapeutic Cargo | Main Advantages | Limitations | Clinical Status |
| Polymeric | Anti-inflammatory drugs, growth factors, antioxidants | Customizable, sustained release, biocompatible | Scalability, burst release, clearance rate | Preclinical, some early-phase trials |
| Liposomal | Hydrophilic/lipophilic drugs, peptides | Good biocompatibility, approved in other indications | Stability, drug leakage, short half-life | Clinically approved for other diseases |
| Exosome-derived | Endogenous miRNAs, proteins, neurotrophic factors | Natural origin, low immunogenicity, high targeting potential | Isolation/purification challenges, batch variability | Preclinical studies |
| Magnetic (e.g., iron oxide) | Drugs + external magnetic control | Magnetic guidance, imaging compatibility | Possible long-term toxicity, low biodegradability | Used in oncology trials, not yet in SCI |
| Prussian Blue | Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents | Strong ROS scavenging, neuroprotection | Limited clinical validation, synthesis complexity | Preclinical |
| Carbon Nanotube (CNT) | Electrical stimulation interfaces | Restores neuronal conductivity, bioelectrical signaling | Biocompatibility issues, inflammatory potential | Preclinical (neural interface models) |
| Application Area | Description | Rehabilitative Benefit | Development Status |
| Neurotrophic Factor Delivery | Use of nanoparticles to deliver agents like BDNF, NGF, or IGF-1 to enhance plasticity during motor rehabilitation. | Amplifies the effect of activity-based therapies by promoting synaptic and axonal plasticity. | Preclinical |
| Bioelectronic Interfaces | Integration of conductive nanomaterials into scaffolds or implants to restore electrical signaling and support neuronal reactivation. | Enables functional reactivation of spinal circuits and synergy with FES or robotic training. | Preclinical to early prototyping |
| Nanosensors for Monitoring | Implantable or wearable nanosensors to monitor inflammation, neural activity, or metabolic markers during therapy. | Personalizes rehabilitation intensity and timing based on real-time physiological data. | Emerging technology |
| Gene Modulation via Nanocarriers | Nanoparticles carrying siRNA or miRNA to modulate genes involved in inhibitory signaling or regeneration during rehabilitation phases. | Maximizes the molecular environment's responsiveness to training by modulating key signaling pathways. | Preclinical studies in animal models |
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