Application of Nanoparticles (NPs) for Targeted Therapy of
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an incapacitating neurodegenerative
condition characterized by the aggregation of pathogenic tau proteins,
resulting in cognitive deterioration and amnesia. Existing
pharmacological interventions endorsed by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) address the management of symptoms associated with
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), failing to impede the advancement of
pathological conditions1. This underscores the need
for the development of novel therapeutic approaches that not only
exhibit enhanced efficacy, but also possess the potential to achieve a
complete cure. The remainder of this paper will focus on the research
surrounding the development of the novel proteotoxic-tau targeting
therapeutics. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has suggested
that experimental drugs and intervention systems have significant
potential for therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, the broad
implementation of these novel approaches is impeded by certain inherent
limitations, namely their modest toxicological profile and restricted
ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB)97.
In response to these obstacles, the utilization of nanoparticles (NPs)
in targeted drug delivery systems has emerged as a highly encouraging
and viable strategy.
Nanoparticles present a multitude of advantageous attributes, including
heightened drug effectiveness, enhanced compatibility with biological
systems, elevated availability within the biological milieu, and precise
administration to specific cerebral regions affected by Alzheimer’s
disease98. Successful blood-brain barrier (BBB)
penetration and subsequent controlled drug release, along with the
attainment of higher drug concentrations at Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
sites, can be facilitated through the process of functionalizing ligands
onto the surfaces of nanoparticles (NPs). This comprehensive review
provides an overview of diverse categories of nanoparticles (NPs),
including polymeric NPs, liposomes, metallic NPs, magnetic NPs, silica
NPs, and carbon NPs. The primary focus of this review is to elucidate
the applications of these NPs in the investigation and targeted
intervention of pathogenic tau in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The utilization of nanoparticle (NP) technology in the context of
targeted therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exhibits considerable
potential and may constitute a paradigm shift in the pursuit of curative
interventions. Nevertheless, it is imperative to conduct additional
research and clinical trials to ascertain the safety and effectiveness
of interventions based on nanotechnology particles (NPs) prior to their
extensive use in the management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ongoing
progress in the field of nanotechnology presents an auspicious
opportunity to fundamentally transform the treatment of Alzheimer’s
disease (AD) and enhance the quality of life for the substantial
population afflicted by this incapacitating condition.