Nanoformulation of Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor with Target Receptor‐Triggered‐Release in the Central Nervous System

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is identified as a potent neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agent for many neurological diseases. Regrettably, its delivery to the brain is hampered by poor serum stability and rapid brain clearance. Here, a novel nanoformulation is reported composed of a biocompatible polymer, poly(ethylene glycol)‐ b ‐poly( l ‐glutamic acid) (PEG‐PLE), that hosts the BDNF molecule in a nanoscale complex, termed here Nano‐BDNF. Upon simple mixture, Nano‐BDNF spontaneously forms uniform spherical particles with a core–shell structure. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that binding between BDNF and PEG‐PLE is mediated through electrostatic coupling as well as transient hydrogen bonding. The formation of Nano‐BDNF complex stabilizes BDNF and protects it from nonspecific binding with common proteins in the body fluid, while allowing it to associate with its receptors. Following intranasal administration, the nanoformulation improves BDNF delivery throughout the brain and displays a more preferable regional distribution pattern than the native protein. Furthermore, intranasally delivered Nano‐BDNF results in superior neuroprotective effects in the mouse brain with lipopolysaccharides‐induced inflammation, indicating promise for further evaluation of this agent for the therapy of neurologic diseases.