Liposomes with Cereport (RMP-7) and transferrin (Tf) (RMP-7/Tf/liposomes) were employed to target the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and to inhibit the degeneration of neurons insulted with fibrillar β-amyloid peptide 1-42 (Aβ1-42). Neuron growth factor (NGF)-encapsulated RMP-7/Tf/liposomes (RMP-7/Tf/NGF-liposomes) were used to permeate a monolayer of human brain-microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) regulated by human astrocytes (HAs) and to treat Aβ1-42 -attacked SK-N-MC cells. An increase in RMT-7 concentration increased the particle size, zeta potential, propidium iodide (PI) permeability, and NGF permeability, but decreased the cross-linking efficiency of RMT-7, viability of HBMECs and HAs, and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). In addition, an increase in Tf concentration enhanced the particle size, viability of HBMECs, HAs, and SK-N-MC cells, PI permeability, and NGF permeability, but reduced the zeta potential, cross-linking efficiency of RMT-7 and Tf, and TEER. RMP-7/Tf/NGF-liposomes can transport NGF across the BBB and improve the neuroprotection for Alzheimer's disease therapy in preclinical trials.
