A magnetically guided brain delivery method previously demonstrated in mice has not yet been translated for clinical applications due to the mismatch of available static magnet dimensions in relation to the human brain size and shape. To develop a human-compatible methodology, we explored magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a tool for the delivery of magneto-electric nanoparticles (MENPs) into the brain of a baboon, as a proof-of-concept study. MRI brain image analysis showed a reduction in T2* value at the basal ganglia, hemisphere, and vertex, thereby confirming successful MENP delivery to the brain. The observation of well-integrated morphologically healthy tissues and no blood toxicity over the study duration confirmed the biocompatibility of MENPs and the delivery procedure. Outcomes of this research present MRI-assisted delivery of MENPs to the brain as a safe and noninvasive method in larger species such as baboons and one step closer to human translation. This MENP-based nanomedicine delivery method can be used for clinical application in order to investigate effective central nervous system (CNS) therapies.
Keywords: brain delivery; drug nanocarriers; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); magneto-electro nanoparticles (MENPs); personalized nanomedicine.