Systematically Delivering Biodegradable Mesoporous Silicananoparticles Via Dissolvable Microneedles to Promote Remyelination in Patients with Neurodegenerative Disease

Nanoparticle delivery via microneedle patch systems is an upcoming area of research with promising results and broad applications. Using an epidermal patch with microneedles to deliver nanoparticles and small molecules and target them to different locations in the body can allow for micromanipulation and nanoscale treatment plans that involve multiple interventive strategies, especially in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Here we discuss potential ways in which polymeric nanoparticles can enter the peripheral nervous system as a method to treat different neurodegenerative diseases. We specifically highlight Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a case study of our method and show how nanoparticles can be used to upregulate vital proteins such as NGR1 and Adam22 to neurons and modify their gene expression to increase Schwann cell myelination activity. This novel technique can help the lives of countless people affected by neurodegenerative diseases worldwide.