Advanced Drug Delivery in Pediatric Neurology: Developmental Barriers, Nanocarrier Strategies, and Translational Challenges.
- 1"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania.
- 2Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
- 3Research Institute of the University of Bucharest-ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract
Treating neurological disorders in children is particularly challenging due to the dynamic maturation of the developing brain, age-dependent pharmacokinetics, and evolving structural and functional properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review explores the latest advances in drug-delivery systems tailored for pediatric neurology, emphasizing strategies to address physiological and developmental determinants of treatment response across infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The paper begins by outlining the distinct challenges of drug delivery in children, focusing on BBB maturation, transporter expression, metabolic capacity, and neurodevelopmental vulnerability. Emerging delivery systems, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, gold nanoparticles, and gene- and RNA-based vectors, are further reviewed in relation to major pediatric neurological conditions. These platforms demonstrate promise in enhancing drug bioavailability, targeting specific brain regions, and minimizing systemic toxicity. This paper also covers important safety, regulatory, and ethical considerations in pediatric populations, with a focus on the need for age-appropriate design and thorough clinical validation. Concluding with emerging trends and future directions, this work serves as a comprehensive resource for advancing pediatric neurological therapeutics through state-of-the-art drug delivery technologies.
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BibTeX
@article{teleanu2026advanced,
title = {{Advanced Drug Delivery in Pediatric Neurology: Developmental Barriers, Nanocarrier Strategies, and Translational Challenges.}},
author = {Raluca Ioana Teleanu and Andreea Gabriela Bratu and Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu and Radu Ștefan Perjoc and Eugenia Roza and Daniel Mihai Teleanu and Oana Aurelia Vladâcenco and Ana Cojocaru and Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu and Iustina Mihaela Pintilie},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27198727},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42883972},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Advanced Drug Delivery in Pediatric Neurology: Developmental Barriers, Nanocarrier Strategies, and Translational Challenges.
AU - Raluca Ioana Teleanu
AU - Andreea Gabriela Bratu
AU - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
AU - Radu Ștefan Perjoc
AU - Eugenia Roza
AU - Daniel Mihai Teleanu
AU - Oana Aurelia Vladâcenco
AU - Ana Cojocaru
AU - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
AU - Iustina Mihaela Pintilie
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/29
JO - International journal of molecular sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27198727
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42883972
AB - Treating neurological disorders in children is particularly challenging due to the dynamic maturation of the developing brain, age-dependent pharmacokinetics, and evolving structural and functional properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review explores the latest advances in drug-delivery systems tailored for pediatric neurology, emphasizing strategies to address physiological and developmental determinants of treatment response across infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The paper begins by outlining the distinct challenges of drug delivery in children, focusing on BBB maturation, transporter expression, metabolic capacity, and neurodevelopmental vulnerability. Emerging delivery systems, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, gold nanoparticles, and gene- and RNA-based vectors, are further reviewed in relation to major pediatric neurological conditions. These platforms demonstrate promise in enhancing drug bioavailability, targeting specific brain regions, and minimizing systemic toxicity. This paper also covers important safety, regulatory, and ethical considerations in pediatric populations, with a focus on the need for age-appropriate design and thorough clinical validation. Concluding with emerging trends and future directions, this work serves as a comprehensive resource for advancing pediatric neurological therapeutics through state-of-the-art drug delivery technologies.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -