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Introduction: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical neurovascular unit regulating substances' passage from the bloodstream to the brain. Its selective permeability poses significant challenges in drug delivery for neurological disorders. Conventional methods often fail due to the BBB's complex structure. Aim: The study aims to shed light on their pivotal role in revolutionizing neurotherapeutics and explores the transformative potential of BBB-on-a-Chip technologies in drug delivery research to comprehensively review BBB-on-a-chip technologies, focusing on their design, and substantiate advantages over traditional models. Methods: A detailed analysis of existing literature and experimental data pertaining to BBB-on-a-Chip technologies was conducted. Various models, their physiological relevance, and innovative design considerations were examined through databases like Scopus, EbscoHost, PubMed Central, and Medline. Case studies demonstrating enhanced drug transport through BBB-on-a-Chip models were also reviewed, highlighting their potential impact on neurological disorders. Results: BBB-on-a-Chip models offer a revolutionary approach, accurately replicating BBB properties. These microphysiological systems enable high-throughput screening, real-time monitoring of drug transport, and precise localization of drugs. Case studies demonstrate their efficacy in enhancing drug penetration, offering potential therapies for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Conclusion: BBB-on-a-Chip models represent a transformative milestone in drug delivery research. Their ability to replicate BBB complexities, offer real-time monitoring, and enhance drug transport holds immense promise for neurological disorders. Continuous research and development are imperative to unlock BBB-on-a-Chip models' full potential, ushering in a new era of targeted, efficient, and safer drug therapies for challenging neurological conditions.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an important molecular regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Brain mTOR activity plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, cell development, migration and proliferation, as well as memory storage, protein synthesis, autophagy, ion channel expression and axonal regeneration. Aberrant mTOR signaling causes a diverse group of neurological disorders, termed ‘mTORopathies’. Typically arising from mutations within the mTOR signaling pathway, these disorders are characterized by cortical malformations and other neuromorphological abnormalities that usually co-occur with severe, often treatment-resistant, epilepsy. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges in developing experimental models of mTOR-dependent epilepsy and other related mTORopathies, including using zebrafish models for studying these disorders, as well as outline future directions of research in this field.

Background / Introduction: On 13^th of December, 2022, a five-year-old girl from Karnataka, India, tested positive for Zika virus. The first Zika virus was isolated from the serum of a rhesus monkey in the Zika Forest of Uganda, in 1947. Zika virus was largely dormant for about 70 years before suddenly resurfacing across all of America, from Brazil to the Pacific Islands and is connected to a grouping of microcephaly phenotypes based on a complete virus genome analysis. All of the aforementioned research provides an overview of the migration of this virus from the Americas to continental Africa via mosquitoes. The current study therefore aims to evaluate the virologic characteristics, prophylaxis, transmitting mechanisms, diagnosis, clinical manifestations and treatment of ZIKV infection in light of the virus’s widespread dissemination and deadly nature. Aim: The investigation’s findings aim to demonstrate that in order to prevent further outbreaks, there is a national requirement for active epidemiological and entomological observation of Zika. Materials and methods: Data was extracted from academic journals of medicine published in MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Ovid and Embase inventory databases with a predetermined search strategy. Articles considering Zika virus and its clinical manifestations, especially neurological, were included. Results: The Zika virus has been declared as a public health emergency of global significance by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is of alarming concern that it is now one of the most prevalent infectious diseases associated with birth abnormalities discovered in the past five decades. The onset and accelerated spread of disease to other parts of the world is attributed to migration of infected hosts and climate change. Rapid laboratory diagnosis, evaluation of serological techniques and virus isolation are urgently needed along with newer modalities such as mathematical modeling as prediction devices to curb this issue. Due to its grave neurological manifestations, it is mandated to engineer peptide therapies and a virus-specific vaccination to treat this neurotropic virus. Conclusion: There is currently no vaccination against Zika virus infection. If societies are not adequately prepared, the epidemiological wave will have an impact on the work force and could pose a serious threat. To alleviate the significant cost on health systems and manage its promotion globally, improved investigation and response activities are needed.