Nanotechnology-Based Polyphenol Delivery: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorder

Age is the major risk factor for the development and progression of Neurodegenerative Diseases (ND). The extension of lifespan is considered a leading cause of the increase in ND prevalence, especially in developing countries. Currently, there is no cure for any of them; thus, the challenge for physicians and researchers is to discover therapeutic strategies able to slow down neurodegeneration and/or improve the patient’s quality of life. In addition to genetics and environmental stressors, the increase in cellular oxidative stress as one of the potential risk factors in ND has been demonstrated. Over the past years the scientific community has focused on the antioxidant properties of a heterogeneous class of natural compounds, known as nutraceuticals, such as vitamins, carotenoids and polyphenols. Among polyphenols, curcumin, resveratrol and tea polyphenols are the most extensively investigated given their therapeutic potential for ND treatment. Despite the strong antioxidant activity of polyphenols, their low bioavailability and rapid metabolism are the major issues that affect their neuroprotective potentiality. A promising solution lies in polymeric nanoparticle-based polyphenol delivery systems that prevent the degradation of bioactive compounds and enhance their absorption and bioavailability. Currently, food-grade lipid-based nanoparticles, polysaccharide nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, biopolymeric nanoparticles, nanocomplexes (proteins, carbohydrates) and copolymers (protein-carbohydrate conjugates) are highly investigated nanoparticle systems to enhance the bioavailability of polyphenols. The high potential of nanoparticle-basedsystems in nutraceutical delivery might make them a good therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ND.