Ischemic stroke nanomedicine.

Abstract

With the changes in lifestyle and the intensification of population aging, the incidence of stroke has been increasing annually, making it a global public health concern. Early diagnosis and precise treatment remain critical factors in improving patient outcomes. Despite advances in clinical management, current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches still face significant limitations. Nanomedicine, leveraging the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, has emerged as a transformative strategy to overcome these challenges. Translating nanotechnology-based innovations into clinical practice for stroke management hinges on a clear understanding of recent advances, persistent challenges, and future research priorities. This review elucidates the pivotal role of nanomedicine in advancing the early diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke, focusing on its major pathogenic factors, the diverse compositional features of nanomaterials, and surface design strategies. The discussion encompasses nanoplatforms serving as contrast agents for various imaging modalities, nanocarriers for drug delivery, and multifunctional nanosystems for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the review explores the current challenges and considerations in the clinical translation of nanomedicine for ischemic stroke management, while proposing future research directions to highlight the advantages of nanotechnology in stroke theranostics and facilitate its clinical adoption.