Nanotechnological approaches for targeting amyloid-β aggregation with potential for neurodegenerative disease therapy and diagnosis

Revolutionizing neurotherapeutics: Nanocarriers unveiling the potential of phytochemicals in Alzheimer's disease

Neurological disorders pose a huge worldwide challenge to the healthcare system, necessitating innovative strategies for targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an untreatable neurodegenerative condition characterized by dementia and alterations in a patient's physiological and mental states. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been an important source of bioactive phytochemicals with immense therapeutic potential. This review investigates new and safer alternatives for prevention and treatment of disease related to inevitable side effects associated with synthetic compounds. This review examines how nanotechnology can help in enhancing the delivery of neuroprotective phytochemicals in AD. Nevertheless, despite their remarkable neuroprotective properties, these natural products often have poor therapeutic efficacy due to low bioavailability, limited solubility and imperfect blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Nanotechnology produces personalized drug delivery systems which are necessary for solving such problems. In overcoming these challenges, nanotechnology might be employed as a way forward whereby customized medication delivery systems would be established as a result. The use of nanocarriers in the design and application of important phytochemicals is highlighted by this review, which indicate potential for revolutionizing neuroprotective drug delivery. We also explore the complications and possibilities of using nanocarriers to supply nutraceuticals and improve patients' standard of living, and preclinical as well as clinical investigations displaying that these techniques are effective in mitigating neurodegenerative diseases. In order to fight brain diseases and improve patient's health, scientists and doctors can employ nanotechnology with its possible therapeutic interventions.

Controlled preparation of tannic acid-derived carbonized dots and their use to inhibit amyloid aggregation and promote aggregate disaggregation

Tannic acid (TA)-derived carbon dots (TACDs) were synthesized for the first time via a solvothermal method using TA as one of the raw materials, which may effectively inhibit amyloid fibril aggregation and disaggregate mature fibril. The fluorescent property of TACDs were modulated by adjusting the ratio of TA to o-phenylenediamine (oPD), and TACDs fabricated with the precursor ratio as 1:1 showed the best fluorescent property. Circular dichroism spectra (CD) showed that the structure of β-sheet decreased as the concentration of TACDs increased. The inhibition efficiency, as confirmed by thioflavin T (ThT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), is extraordinary at 98.16%, whereas disaggregation efficiency is noteworthy at 97.97%, and the disaggregated lysozyme fibrils did not reaggregate after 7 days. More critically, TACDs can also alleviate the cellular toxicity caused by Aβ fibrils and improve cell viability. This work offers a new perspective on the design of scavengers for amyloid plaques.

The Promising Role of Selenium and Yeast in the Fight Against Protein Amyloidosis

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to research on diseases related to the deposition of misfolded proteins (amyloids) in various organs. Moreover, modern scientists emphasise the importance of selenium as a bioelement necessary for the proper functioning of living organisms. The inorganic form of selenium-sodium selenite (redox-active)-can prevent the formation of an insoluble polymer in proteins. It is very important to undertake tasks aimed at understanding the mechanisms of action of this element in inhibiting the formation of various types of amyloid. Furthermore, yeast cells play an important role in this matter as a eukaryotic model organism, which is intensively used in molecular research on protein amyloidosis. Due to the lack of appropriate treatment in the general population, the problem of amyloidosis remains unsolved. This extracellular accumulation of amyloid is one of the main factors responsible for the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. The review presented here contains scientific information discussing a brief description of the possibility of amyloid formation in cells and the use of selenium as a factor preventing the formation of these protein aggregates. Recent studies have shown that the yeast model can be successfully used as a eukaryotic organism in biotechnological research aimed at understanding the essence of the entire amyloidosis process. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate the reaction of yeast to selenium and the phenomenon of amyloidosis is important in the aetiology and pathogenesis of various disease states. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct further research and analysis aimed at explaining and confirming the role of selenium in the processes of protein misfolding disorders. The rest of the article discusses the characteristics of food protein amyloidosis and their use in the food industry. During such tests, their toxicity is checked because not all food proteins can produce amyloid that is toxic to cells. It should also be noted that a moderate diet is beneficial for the corresponding disease relief caused by amyloidosis.

Navigating the Alzheimer's Treatment Landscape: Unraveling Amyloid-beta Complexities and Pioneering Precision Medicine Approaches

A variety of cutting-edge methods and good knowledge of the illness's complex causes are causing a sea change in the field of Alzheimer's Disease (A.D.) research and treatment. Precision medicine is at the vanguard of this change, where individualized treatment plans based on genetic and biomarker profiles give a ray of hope for customized therapeutics. Combination therapies are becoming increasingly popular as a way to address the multifaceted pathology of Alzheimer's by simultaneously attacking Aβ plaques, tau tangles, neuroinflammation, and other factors. The article covers several therapeutic design efforts, including BACE inhibitors, gamma- secretase modulators, monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Aducanumab and Lecanemab), and anti- Aβ vaccinations. While these techniques appear promising, clinical development faces safety concerns and uneven efficacy. To address the complicated Aβ pathology in Alzheimer's disease, a multimodal approach is necessary. The statement emphasizes the continued importance of clinical trials in addressing safety and efficacy concerns. Looking ahead, it suggests that future treatments may take into account genetic and biomarker traits in order to provide more personalized care. Therapies targeting Aβ, tau tangles, neuroinflammation, and novel drug delivery modalities are planned. Nanoparticles and gene therapies are only two examples of novel drug delivery methods that have the potential to deliver treatments more effectively, with fewer side effects, and with better therapeutic results. In addition, medicines that target tau proteins in addition to Aβ are in the works. Early intervention, based on precise biomarkers, is a linchpin of Alzheimer's care, emphasizing the critical need for detecting the disease at its earliest stages. Lifestyle interventions, encompassing diet, exercise, cognitive training, and social engagement, are emerging as key components in the fight against cognitive decline. Data analytics and art are gaining prominence as strategies to mitigate the brain's inflammatory responses. To pool knowledge and resources in the fight against Alzheimer's, international cooperation between scientists, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies is still essential. In essence, a complex, individualized, and collaborative strategy will characterize Alzheimer's research and therapy in the future. Despite obstacles, these encouraging possibilities show the ongoing commitment of the scientific and medical communities to combat A.D. head-on, providing a glimmer of hope to the countless people and families touched by this savage sickness.

A critical review on the role of nanotheranostics mediated approaches for targeting β amyloid in Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is one of the most common neurodegenerative illnesses that affect brain cellular function. In this disease, the neurons in the brain are considered to be decaying steadily but consistently by the accumulation of amyloid mass, particularly the β-amyloids, amyloid proteins, and Tau proteins. The most responsible amyloid-proteins are amyloid-40 and amyloid-42, which have a high probability of accumulating in excess over the brain cell, interfering with normal brain cell function and triggering brain cell death. The advancement of pharmaceutical sciences leads to the development of Nanotheranostics technology, which may be used to diagnose and treat Alzheimer's. They are the colloidal nanoparticles functionalised with the therapeutic moiety as well as a diagnostic moiety. This article discusses the prognosis of Alzheimer's, various nanotheranostics approaches (nanoparticles, quantum dots, aptamers, dendrimers, etc), and their recent advancement in managing Alzheimer's. Also, various in-vitro and in-vivo diagnostic methodologies were discussed with respect to nanotheranostics.

Effect of plasmonic excitation on mature insulin amyloid fibrils

Interactions between amyloid protein structures and nanomaterials have been extensively studied to develop effective inhibitors of amyloid aggregation. Limited investigations are reported on the impact of nanoparticles on mature fibrils. In this work, gold nanoparticles are used as photothermal agents to alter insulin fibrils. To this end, gold colloids bearing a negatively charged capping shell, with an average diameter of 14 nm and a plasmon resonance maximum at 520 nm are synthesized. The effects on mature insulin fibril morphology and structure upon plasmonic excitation of the nanoparticles-fibril samples have been monitored by spectroscopic and microscopic methods. The obtained data indicate that an effective destruction of the amyloid aggregates occur upon irradiation of the plasmonic nanoparticles, allowing the development of emerging strategies to alter the structure of amyloid fibrils.

Advanced theragnostics for the central nervous system (CNS) and neurological disorders using functional inorganic nanomaterials

Various types of inorganic nanomaterials are capable of diagnostic biomarker detection and the therapeutic delivery of a disease or inflammatory modulating agent. Those multi-functional nanomaterials have been utilized to treat neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system (CNS) injuries in an effective and personalized manner. Even though many nanomaterials can deliver a payload and detect a biomarker of interest, only a few studies have yet to fully utilize this combined strategy to its full potential. Combining a nanomaterial's ability to facilitate targeted delivery, promote cellular proliferation and differentiation, and carry a large amount of material with various sensing approaches makes it possible to diagnose a patient selectively and sensitively while offering preventative measures or early disease-modifying strategies. By tuning the properties of an inorganic nanomaterial, the dimensionality, hydrophilicity, size, charge, shape, surface chemistry, and many other chemical and physical parameters, different types of cells in the central nervous system can be monitored, modulated, or further studies to elucidate underlying disease mechanisms. Scientists and clinicians have better understood the underlying processes of pathologies for many neurologically related diseases and injuries by implementing multi-dimensional 0D, 1D, and 2D theragnostic nanomaterials. The incorporation of nanomaterials has allowed scientists to better understand how to detect and treat these conditions at an early stage. To this end, having the multi-modal ability to both sense and treat ailments of the central nervous system can lead to favorable outcomes for patients suffering from such injuries and diseases.

Pharmacological effects of natural medicine ginsenosides against Alzheimer's disease

Ginsenosides are the most important pharmacological active ingredient of ginseng, with multiple biological therapeutic targets, mild action and no side effects. It is having shown beneficial effects in vitro and in vivo models of AD. In this review, we analyze large literature, summarize the inhibition of ginsenosides fibrous extracellular deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of possible mechanisms, and explain the effects of ginsenosides on AD neuroprotection from the aspects of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis, prove the potential of ginsenosides as a new class of drugs for the treatment of AD. In addition, according to the current clinical application status of natural drugs, this paper analysis the delivery route and delivery mode of ginsenosides from the perspective of pharmacokinetics, providing a deeper insight into the clinical application of ginsenosides in the treatment of AD.

Rosemary oil low energy nanoemulsion: optimization, µrheology, in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo characterization

Acetylcholine imbalance in the human brain causes dementia-related symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors prevent the lysis of acetylcholine in the brain and prevent dementia. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the in silico and in vitro AChE potential of rosemary oil and then formulate it into nanoemulsion as an adjuvant with co-administration of Donepezil (Dz) with a thought for futuristic target for Alzheimer's diseases via the intranasal route. The aim for preparing this formulation was to add the AChE inhibition effect of the rosemary oil to the effect that acts as an additive effect along with Dz. The docking score of rosemary oil components on human cholinesterase 1GQR protein was found to be >-5 kcal/mol. In vitro AChE activity of rosemary oil confirms the prominent IC50 of oil at 0.001 µL/min. Nanoemulsion was prepared by low energy emulsification technique using Tween 80 as surfactant and ethanol or diethylene glycol monoethyl ether as cosurfactant. Droplet size, polydisperity index, and zeta potential of stable nanoemulsion was ∼16 nm, 0.1, and -6.05 mV for stable batch. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy microscopic studies depicted the spherical shape of the droplet. Micro rheology investigation of nanoemulsion clearly attributes to gel-sol-gel behaviour of formulated nanoemulsion. Thermal evaluation of nanoemulsion depicts the phase transition behaviour of ethanol-based nanoemulsion at 60 °C. Ex vivo nasal ciliotoxicity and permeation studies of formulation establish the safety of ethanol-based rosemary oil-loaded nanoemulsion and permeation mechanism of Dz from the nanoemulsion. In vitro permeation studies showed more drug penetration from the nanoemulsion as compared to the plain drug. The prepared nanoemulsion was found to be stable for 3 months at 4, 25, and 45 °C of storage. This low energy preparation method can be advantageous for the preparation of scalable nanoemulsion and can be a futuristic therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease.

Fabrication of TPGS-Grafted Polyamidoamine Dendrimer for Enhanced Piperine Brain Delivery and Pharmacokinetics

Piperine (PIP) is a neuroprotective phytomedicine that has profound acetylcholine esterase and reactive oxygen species inhibition effect in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model. However, the oral delivery of PIP is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability in systemic circulation. To improve the PIP bioavailability, the polyamidoamine (PAMAM) G4 dendrimer is grafted with tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate-1000 (TPGS) through carbodiimide chemistry to form TPGS-PAMAM conjugate. The TPGS-PAMAM coupling was confirmed through proton NMR and FTIR techniques. PIP was encapsulated in the TPGS-PAMAM through solvent diffusion method to form PIP-TPGS-PAMAM. The particle size for PIP-TPGS-PAMAM found the less than 50 nm, whereas entrapment efficiency found to 87 ± 3.5% and 10.6 ± 2.9% drug loading. The powder differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction characterization were employed to evaluate the amorphous encapsulation of the PIP in TPGS-PAMAM. The PIP-TPGS-PAMAM stability was studied in the gastric fluids which showed no drastic difference in particle size and encapsulation efficiency compared to PIP-PAMAM. The in vitro release analysis revealed 37 ± 4.1% PIP release from the PIP-TPGS-PAMAM matrix, and 71 ± 4.9% PIP release from the PIP-PAMAM dendrimer was observed in 48 h. The single-dose oral gavage to Wistar rats of PIP-TPGS-PAMAM showed the AUC_0-∞ 14.38 µg/mL.h, C_max 7.77 ± 1.65 µg/mL, T_max, 1.6 ± 0.18 h, and half-life 3.47 ± 0.64 h for PIP in systemic circulation. PIP-PAMAM and free PIP showed significantly poor AUC_0-∞ compared to PIP-TPGS-PAMAM. The brain uptake studies revealed PIP-TPGS-PAMAM treated group showed 2.2 ± 0.37 µg/g PIP content compared to free PIP administered group which was 0.4 ± 0.10 µg/g. Therefore, PIP-TPGS-PAMAM can offer excellent prospect for the delivery hydrophobic drugs to brain in AD.

Microparticulate and nanotechnology mediated drug delivery system for the delivery of herbal extracts

There has been a growing interest in the scientific community to explore the complete potential of phytoconstituents, herbal or plant-based ingredients owing to a range of benefits they bring along. The herbal plants accommodate many phytoconstituents that are responsible for various activities such as anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, hepatoprotective, etc. However, these phytoconstituents are highly sensitive to several environmental and physiological factors such as pH, oxygen, heat, temperature, humidity, stomach acid, enzymes, and light. Hence, there is need for the development of a drug delivery system that can protect the phytoconstituents from both internal and external conditions. In this regard, a microparticulate drug delivery system is considered amongst the ideal choice owing to its small size, ability to protect the environment-sensitive active constituents, in achieving sustained drug delivery, targeted drug delivery, protection of the drug from physiological conditions, minimizing drug-related side effects, etc.

Aspartic Acid-Assisted Size-Controllable Synthesis of Nanoscale Spherical Covalent Organic Frameworks with Chiral Interfaces for Inhibiting Amyloid-β Fibrillation

Covalent organic framework nanospheres (COF NSs) have garnered special attention due to their uniform sphere morphology, adjustable particle size, and mesoporous microenvironment. However, methods to control an optimal particle size scale while achieving solution dispersibility and specific surface properties remain underdeveloped, which precludes many of the biomedical applications. Here, we propose and develop a general strategy to access simultaneous size control and surface functionalization of uniform spherical COF NSs in a single step using aspartic acid (d-/l-Asp) that plays center roles in an acid catalyst, hydrophilicity, size-controllable synthesis, and chiral enantiomer. In this study, for the first time, we have employed a surface chemistry engineering study to create a variety of nanoscale spherical COFs and subsequently measure parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of Asp in the regulation of the particle size. Moreover, the potential utilization of the d/l-enantiomeric Asp-COF NSs in preventing β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation is investigated by analyzing their interactions with Aβ amyloids using a multitechnique experimental approach. To our knowledge, our strategy is the first synthesis of hydrophilic COF NSs with an optimal length scale and a chiral-selective targeting surface, which are crucial for the inhibition of Aβ fibrillation for Alzheimer's disease prevention.

Artificial Chiral Interfaces against Amyloid-β Peptide Aggregation: Research Progress and Challenges

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an imbalance between the production and clearance of amyloid-β (Aβ) species. AD not only influences the life quality of the patients but also heavily burdens the families and society. Therefore, it is an urgent mission to research and develop some new anti-amyloid aggregation drugs. In recent years, there were research and development of engineered nanostructures as Aβ amyloid inhibitors have attracted extensive attention and become a new frontier in nanomedicine. The effects of nanostructural surface properties (e.g., morphology, charge, hydrophobicity) on inhibition of Aβ aggregation are modulated by adsorbed Aβ peptides. Nevertheless, chirality has been seldom considered in recognition of Aβ species and modulation of Aβ aggregations. Moreover, a more relevant question for chiral inhibitors is little known about the molecular mechanism of how to interface chiral effects Aβ targeting recognition and effective mitigation of amyloidosis at the molecular level. Herein, we review recent experimental and theoretical results acquired in the specific areas of artificial chiral nanostructure inhibitors. This article will be essential to provide a microlevel insight into the effects of chiral nanointerfaces on amyloidosis processes as well as the development of chiral inhibitor drugs against Aβ fibrillation.

Potential of nanoparticulate based delivery systems for effective management of alopecia

In recent times, more than 50 % of the global population is facing hair-related issues (alopecia) which is seen mostly amongst the people in the age group of 30-40 years. The conventional topical dosage forms available in the market falls short in effectively managing alopecia. Despite various advancements in topical dosage forms, it is still disposed to limited clinical application and provides poor penetration of drug molecules into the skin. The exact etiology of alopecia is still unknown and various researchers link lifestyle, hereditary, and auto immune-based events with its existence. Nanoparticulate-based delivery are hence brought in use to enhance the permeability properties of the drug. In comparison to conventional methods nanotechnology-based drug delivery system tames drug molecules to a specific site with much better efficacy. This review is engrossed in the journey and role of nano technological-based drug delivery in the management of alopecia and its clinical application.