Supported lipid bilayers as nanoplatform for smart delivery of NGF

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a protein involved in development, maintenance and synaptic plasticity of central and peripheral nervous system. NGF has gained attention as therapeutic agent for neurological pathologies, due to the fact that its homeostasis is altered in specific brain areas during the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The use of NGF as drug has been prevented by its low blood–brain barrier permeability and a wide range of adverse side effects. To overcome these limits, the N-terminal tail of NGF, specific to trigger the pro-survival signals of NGF, has been associated with supported lipid bilayer (SLB). Lipid bilayers are able to mimic cellular membrane and to allow anchoring ligands in a not rigid manner. An elettrostatic-driven approach has been demonstrated to be effective to associate NGF peptides with SLB (Figure 1). The neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells response highlights the potential application of these nanoplatforms for smart drug delivery.