Nanotechnology for Alzheimer's disease detection and treatment

In this paper, we present the role of nanotechnology in the development and improvement of techniques for early diagnosis and effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since AD pathology is almost irreversible and present-day medications for AD only lower its associated symptoms, application of disease-modifying treatments could be successful only if AD early diagnosis is possible. The nanodiagnostic methods reported and compared in this paper include both of in vitro and in vivo nature. Of the in vitro approaches, the DNA-nanoparticle conjugates (bio-barcode assay), nanoparticle surface plasmon resonance, scanning tunneling microscopy, and two-photon Rayleigh spectroscopy are presented here. Of the in vivo methods, μMRI and optical imaging techniques are discussed here. The nanotreatment methods for AD are numerous. They are categorized in this report under neuroprotective methods from toxicity of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) oligomers, oxidative stress of free radicals and nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. The important agents for neuroprotection include nanogels, fullerene, nano-ceria, dendrimers, gold nanoparticles, and diamondoid derivatives. The major nanocarriers presented here include cholinesterase inhibitors nanocarriers, acetylcholine nanocarrier, metal chelator nanocarriers, (Iron chelators and copper chelators), curcuminoids nanocarrier, anti-oxidant nanocarriers, and gene nanocarriers. Considering that the AD is a multi-factorial disease with several pathogenetic mechanisms and pathways, a multifunctional nanotechnology approach will be needed to target its main molecular culprits. These molecular targets must include, but not limited to, Aβ oligomers, reactive oxygen species (ROS), excessive metal ions, tau phosphorylating kinases and cell cycle proteins.