In Vitro Magnetic Nanoparticle Delivery to the Central Nervous System

The aim of this research was to conduct preliminary experiments demonstrating the targeted delivery of fluorescently tagged magnetic nanoparticles (F-MNP) in a 3D-printed model of the cerebrospinal fluid system. CNS diseases can be difficult to treat because of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Due to the physical size of available drug molecules, the BBB prevents or severely impedes passage of necessary drug concentration to the CNS. There many central nervous system (CNS) diseases that are difficult to treat effectively with current drug delivery methods. The advantages of CSF drug delivery could be further exploited by combining chemical targeting strategies. One of these strategies utilizes magnetic nanoparticles bound to the biologic agent and a focused magnetic field to selectively target specific regions. Visualization of the spread of the F-NMPs was visualized in a poly-carbonate tube to gather data on their movement and the influence of a magnetic field on their delivery efficiency and targeting capabilities. It was discovered that a concentrated magnetic field heavily influenced the dispersion rate of the F-NMPs, and a stationary magnet was able to collect the vast majority of the injected particles