Nanodrug Bioavailability and Biocompatibility in Cancer and CNS Disorders
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Nanoscience".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 2
Special Issue Editor
Interests: nanotechnology; biomaterials; nanomedicine; molecular biology; immunotherapy; nanoscience
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Nanomedicine continues to redefine the frontiers of precision therapeutics, particularly in diseases characterized by complex and protective tissue microenvironments. Among these, cancer and central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease present significant biological barriers that impede the effective delivery, uptake, and functionality of nanodrugs. Despite their distinct pathologies, these two disease categories share key challenges in nanotherapeutic design—primarily the issues of bioavailability, biocompatibility, and selective accumulation in target tissues.
In cancer, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is known for its aberrant vasculature, acidic pH, immune suppression, and high interstitial pressure—all of which hinder drug penetration and retention. Similarly, in neurodegenerative diseases, the blood–brain barrier (BBB), limited lymphatic drainage, and complex neural architecture present major obstacles to therapeutic access and diffusion. In both cases, the biological fate of nanodrugs is influenced by the physicochemical properties of the nanocarrier, surface functionalization, protein corona formation, and immune system recognition.
This Special Issue invites contributions that explore innovative strategies to enhance nanodrug bioavailability and biocompatibility in cancer and CNS applications. Particular interest is given to materials science approaches, targeting ligands, stealth technologies, and in vivo evaluation methods that bridge molecular specificity with systemic tolerability. Interdisciplinary works that draw connections between cancer and neurodegeneration models are especially welcome, aiming to highlight transferable principles in nanotherapeutic development.
By focusing on the shared translational barriers and engineering solutions across oncology and neurology, this Special Issue aims to accelerate cross-disease insights and pave the way toward more effective, safer, and precisely targeted nanodrug systems.
Dr. Athina Angelopoulou
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- nanomedicine
- bioavailability
- biocompatibility
- tumor microenvironment
- Blood–Brain Barrier
- targeted drug delivery
- neurodegenerative diseases
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