Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)
The utilization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has garnered considerable attention in the field of nanomedicine, particularly in the discernment and management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)121. The use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in various applications has garnered significant attention owing to their inherent magnetic properties105. These properties confer several advantages, including the ability to facilitate controlled drug release, enable efficient drug loading, allow for surface modifications, and exhibit desirable biocompatibility. Recent research has shown that MNPs, specifically, ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs, have significant success in achieving higher circulation times by traveling through capillary walls. Furthermore, MNPs have optimal drug delivery applications due to their ability to work in conjunction with external magnetic fields to act in local regions. Overall, MNP drug delivery systems depend on the forces exerted on the NPs by blood compartment molecules and magnetic forces exerted by the external magnetic field.
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been employed as sensors for the detection of tau protein in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis105,121. In their seminal work, Demeritte et al. successfully engineered magnetic plasmonic nanoplatforms that exhibited exceptional chemical stabilities122. These nanoplatforms are specifically designed to facilitate the detection and quantification of amyloid-beta and tau proteins, even at exceedingly low concentrations in blood samples. Through conjugation techniques, magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were combined with gold plasmonic shell nanoparticles. Subsequently, these hybrid nanoparticles were bio-conjugated with two-dimensional graphene oxide coated with antibodies targeting amyloid and tau proteins. As a result of this experimental approach, researchers have been able to attain notable levels of detection efficiency for both proteins. The nanoplatform exhibited heightened sensitivity compared to conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, thereby presenting itself as a promising candidate for the detection of early stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD)105,122.
The study conducted by Zhao et al. aimed to develop theragnostic magnetic nanoparticles that can target tau proteins, thereby facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)123. The nanoparticles used in this study were constructed using Fe-MIL-88B-NH2 as a base material. These nanoparticles were designed to incorporate Methylene Blue, a well-known inhibitor of tau aggregation, and to serve as MRI contrast agents. Specific targeting of hyperphosphorylated tau was significantly enhanced through the surface functionalization of targeting agents, namely MK6240 and DMK6240. Encapsulating methylene blue within the magnetic-derived nanoparticle facilitated its permeations across the BBB and enhanced its bioaccumulation in target tissue. Furthermore, the synthesized NPs were able to effectively target hyperphosphorylated tau, facilitate neuronal stability, decrease inflammation and damage to hippocampal regions.In vivo studies with AD rats that the conjugated NPs improved memory and cognition. The nanoparticles under investigation have shown promising potential for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as evidenced by their successful performance in in vitro and in vivo studies. Specifically, these studies have demonstrated the effective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities of nanoparticles, as well as their ability to prevent tau aggregation and neuronal death. These findings highlight the potential of NPs as valuable tools for the detection and treatment of AD123.
Li et al. developed a novel approach for early diagnosis by formulating polymer polyethylene glycol-block-allyl glycidyl ether (PEG-b-AGE) coated magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles 124. The nanoparticles exhibited heightened levels of specificity and sensitivity towards amyloid-beta and tau proteins in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and human blood samples, surpassing the capabilities of existing diagnostic techniques. By excluding interactions with non-amyloid beta (AD) protein biomarkers, it is plausible that these nanoparticles can enhance the precision of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) detection124.
In the realm of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research, Magnetic nanoparticles have emerged as a promising avenue with considerable potential in the field of Alzheimer’s disease research. This class of nanoparticles can revolutionize the field by facilitating advancements in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Through continued advancements and rigorous examinations within clinical settings, it is plausible that these instruments may emerge as invaluable assets in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s disease (AD).