Although many pharmaceuticals have therapeutic potentials for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, few of these agents have been effectively administered. It is due to the fact that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSF) restrict them from crossing the brain to exert biological activity. This article reviews the current approaches aiming to improve penetration across these barriers for effective drug delivery to the CNS. These issues are summarized into direct systemic delivery and invasive delivery, including the BBB disruption and convection enhanced delivery. Furthermore, novel drug delivery systems used at the nanoscale, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, and micelles are discussed. These nanocarriers could contribute to a breakthrough in the treatment of many different CNS diseases. However, further broadened studies are needed to assess the biocompatibility and safety of these medical devices.

Charles River Discovery Research Services Finland Oy Neulaniementie 4 70210 Kuopio Finland

Department of Bioinorganic Chemistry Medical University of Lodz Medical University of Lodz ul Muszyńskiego 1 90 151 Lodz Poland

Laboratory of Bioanalysis Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy Medical University of Lodz ul Muszyńskiego 1 90 151 Lodz Poland

School of Pharmacy Faculty of Health Sciences University of Eastern Finland Yliopistonranta 1C POB 1627 70211 Kuopio Finland

School of Pharmacy Faculty of Health Sciences University of Eastern Finland Yliopistonranta 1C POB 1627 70211 Kuopio Finland; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Czech Academy of Sciences Flemingovo Namesti 542 2 160 00 Prague Czech Republic

Students Research Group Laboratory of Bioanalysis Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy Medical University of Lodz ul Muszyńskiego 1 90 151 Lodz Poland

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