Bioinspired Nanomaterials for Parkinson's Disease: Engineering Membrane Interfaces to Overcome the Blood–Brain Barrier and Enable Neuron-Targeted Delivery

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which gives rise to characteristic motor and non-motor behavioral impairments. Disease-modifying therapies remain elusive, largely due to the restrictive nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the lack of effective neuron-targeting strategies. Bioinspired nanomaterials—including cell membrane-derived vesicles, engineered biomimetic nanocarriers, and liposomes—have emerged as versatile platforms to address these limitations. By recapitulating key surface properties of endogenous cells, these nanocarriers facilitate BBB transport and brain accumulation, enhance neuronal recognition and preferential uptake, and enable controlled drug release, thereby potentially improving therapeutic index. In the context of PD, such targeted delivery systems offer potential not only for neuroprotection but also for ameliorating behavioral deficits. This review critically examines recent progress in bioinspired nanomaterial-based interventions for PD, with emphasis on the underlying mechanisms of BBB penetration and neuronal targeting. We further evaluate the translational promise of these platforms for modifying disease trajectories and restoring behavioral functions, and we identify remaining challenges and priority directions for future development in PD and related neurodegenerative disorders.