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).