Nanoparticle-based Antioxidant Strategies for Neurodegenerative Disorders: A PRISMA-guided Systematic Review in Progress
Farhan Memon1, Iqra Aijaz1, Partab Rai1, Daniyal Sahto2, Muhammad Haziq Imran1
1Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan., 2MBBS, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan.
Objective:

To systematically review evidence on the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of nanoparticle-based antioxidant formulations in reducing oxidative stress and promoting neuroprotection across neurodegenerative diseases.

Background:

Oxidative stress is a fundamental factor in neuronal injury associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related neurodegenerative disorders. Traditional antioxidant therapies have shown limited efficacy due to poor bioavailability, chemical instability, and inadequate passage through the blood–brain barrier. Engineered nanoparticle delivery systems may help overcome these barriers by improving solubility, prolonging drug release, and facilitating targeted deposit within neural tissue.

Design/Methods:

This systematic review follows the PRISMA 2020 framework. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched for studies published between January 2010 and June 2025 that evaluated nanoparticle-based antioxidants in preclinical or clinical models of neurodegeneration. Studies were included if they reported quantitative outcomes related to oxidative markers, neuronal survival, or functional recovery. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data on nanoparticle composition, mechanism of antioxidant action, and efficacy outcomes. Risk-of-bias assessment and data synthesis are ongoing.

Results:
Twenty-five eligible studies were identified. Metal-oxide (cerium oxide, zinc oxide), polymeric, liposomal, and gold-based nanoparticles improved antioxidant stability, reduced reactive oxygen species, and enhanced neuronal viability relative to free antioxidant compounds. Several reports confirmed successful blood–brain-barrier penetration and sustained therapeutic release with minimal toxicity. Methodological heterogeneity currently limits meta-analytic pooling.
Conclusions:

Current evidence supports that nanoparticle-based antioxidant delivery systems enhance bioavailability and demonstrate promising neuroprotective effects across multiple neurodegenerative models. Larger, standardized clinical trials are warranted to establish safety and translational applicability.

10.1212/WNL.0000000000215916
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.