Spatiotemporal Strategies for Lipid-Based Nanocarriers in Stroke

Abstract

Stroke remains a leading global health problem, and effective neuroprotective and regenerative therapies are still limited. Although acute-phase reperfusion strategies have advanced, their narrow therapeutic windows and the risk of reperfusion injury highlight the urgent need for broader neuroprotective and regenerative approaches. Here, we review lipid-based nanocarriers as a drug delivery platform, with a particular focus on spatiotemporal drug delivery across distinct stroke phases (acute, subacute, and recovery). To date, no dedicated review has comprehensively summarized the spatiotemporal applications of lipid-based nanocarriers in stroke therapy. We discuss their potential for blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration, inflammation modulation, and neural regeneration. Despite these promising opportunities, substantial challenges remain, including standardized formulation and barriers to clinical translation. This review offers theoretical and practical guidance for future translational efforts, emphasizing chemical design of lipid-based carriers and its role in optimizing therapeutic efficacy.