PLGA nanoparticles for nasal drug delivery

The nasal route has routinely been used in the local delivery of drugs, however with innovations in nanotechnology, there has been increased interest in exploring this route more for systemic, and brain/CNS delivery. This is because this route is safe, non-invasive, and medications can be self-administered to achieve rapid therapeutic drug levels with minimal doses. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) such as PLGA NPs have a wide range of applications in drug delivery, due to their large surface area and surface modification of the NPs with targeting ligands and polymers which enhances drug delivery, cellular uptake, and bioavailability at target sites. This review covers recent research on the use of PLGA nanoparticles in the delivery of small molecule drugs and macromolecules via the nasal route. It covers some background information about the challenges in delivering drugs via this route. The most common targeting ligands and polymer coatings used in the surface modification of PLGA NPs are highlighted. Finally, recent patents and clinical trials of PLGA NPs in nasal drug delivery are also covered.