The field of neurotherapeutics faces formidable challenges, notably poor specificity, reduced efficacy, and biocompatibility of current therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. Central to these issues is the difficulty of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), paired with the complex mechanisms of neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. There is a pressing need for innovative drug delivery systems that can proficiently navigate these barriers. Recently, natural vesicles have gained attention as a promising vehicle for therapeutic delivery. Traditional extracellular vesicles from animals, along with cutting-edge mitochondrial and plant-derived nanovesicles, provide distinctive advantages. They boast high biocompatibility, high potential to cross the BBB, and a capacity to modulate crucial processes like neuroinflammation and neuroprotection.

This Research Topic aims to explore and expand the utilization of natural vesicles in drug delivery to the brain. Our goal is to address several key questions: Can natural vesicles significantly enhance the targeting and delivery of therapeutic agents across the BBB? How can the bioengineering and functionalization of these vesicles improve therapeutic outcomes? Is it feasible to develop sustainable vesicle-based delivery systems that surpass current methods in efficacy and safety? We aim to test these hypotheses and unravel the molecular mechanisms that make natural vesicles effective in mediating neuroprotection.

To gather further insights in the scope of vesicle-based drug delivery systems for neurodegenerative diseases, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Isolation and characterization of plant-derived nanovesicles and extracellular vesicles of animal origin
- Comparative studies on different isolation methods and their impact on vesicle yield and functionality
- Natural vesicles as drug delivery systems: advantages and challenges
- Vesicle-based modulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders
- Molecular mechanisms underlying vesicle-mediated neuroprotection
- Bioengineering and functionalization of natural vesicles to enhance CNS targeting
- Translational and clinical perspectives in using natural vesicles for neurodegenerative diseases
- Nutraceutical and dietary vesicles: emerging roles in brain health

Appendix: We welcome submissions of Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, and Perspective articles that align with these themes.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Natural Vesicles as Emerging Therapeutics: From Drug Delivery to Neurodegeneration