Abstract: A composition, and method for a targeted drug delivery is disclosed in treating central nervous system injury, including blast hearing loss, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the like, by administering a subject with nanoparticle-based minocycline formulations. The formulation contains nanoparticles encapsulating minocycline for neuroprotective effect in TBI. Albumin nanoparticle-based minocycline formulations provide enhanced delivery to brain, and reduced toxicity at minimal dosage for treating a subject suffering from central nervous system injury including blast induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). Nanoparticle administered at minimal dose in rat blast TBI model crossed blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enhanced therapeutic concentration compared to free minocycline. Provided is an effective and safe minocycline delivery in TBI with minimal or no toxicity for neuroprotective therapy.