Sensory stimulation enhances TFRC-targeted apoferritin nanoparticle delivery of ginsenoside Rb1 to promote endothelial protection and stroke recovery.

Effective treatment of ischemic stroke requires improved perfusion and drug delivery to the ischemic penumbra. We investigated whether sensory stimulation could enhance cerebral blood flow and improve delivery of an apoferritin (Aft)-based ginsenoside Rb1 nanodelivery system (Aft@Rb1). Sensory stimulation increased blood flow in the barrel cortex after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). By exploiting increased transferrin receptor 1 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells, Aft@Rb1 achieved targeted delivery to ischemic tissue. In mice with cerebral I/R, sensory stimulation combined with Aft@Rb1 increased local Rb1 accumulation, reduced blood-brain barrier disruption and infarct area, and improved neurological recovery. These findings indicate that sensory stimulation can enhance local perfusion and nanodrug delivery, providing a potential combined therapeutic strategy for ischemic brain injury.