Use of native biodegradable nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Contrary to conventional use of these nanoparticles in delivering drugs to target areas, native PLGA nanoparticles show therapeutic effects in the treatment of AD pathology.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found that poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles without conjugation with any drug/agent may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Results obtained so far indicate that these nanoparticles can suppress spontaneous β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation and trigger disassembly of aggregated Aβ fibers. Additionally, PLGA treatment not only protects mouse cortical cultured neurons against Aβ toxicity but also can mitigate AD-related cognitive deficits/pathology in an established mouse model of AD. Finally, native PLGA nanoparticles were able to attenuate Aβ-induced toxicity in cultured human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) of AD patients, thus highlighting its unique untapped potential in the treatment of AD pathology. In parallel, fluorescent-labelled native PLGA nanoparticles can selectively interact with Aβ plaques in a mouse model of AD, suggesting that these nanoparticles may have utility in diagnostic applications as well. As PLGA nanoparticles are routinely used in drug formulations and have an excellent safety profile, these are promising candidates for drug repurposing. At present, AD is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly population. Pathological changes that characterize AD indicate that an overproduction or a lack of clearance of Aβ may increase its levels, with the resulting aggregation leading to neuronal loss and development of AD. Currently, there is no solid treatment to prevent/arrest the progression of AD. One of the limiting factors in the treatment of AD is the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which prevents the penetration of the majority of therapeutics into the brain. There is evidence that drug-conjugated PLGA nanoparticles can able to cross BBB. Furthermore, the evidence that labelled PLGA nanoparticles can label neuritic plaques in a mouse model of AD highlights its potential in the diagnosis of AD at an early stage before the onset of symptoms – improvements in molecular diagnostic technologies can lead to better prognosis and treatment strategies for patients. It is well known that Aβ and tau tracers can significantly improve the clinical diagnosis of AD; as such, detecting Aβ deposition at an early stage using labelled PLGA nanoparticles may add in the diagnosis of AD pathology.
Intellectual property status
Patent already applied for
Patent application number : US20230087306A1
Where : United States
Transforming discoveries and innovations into reality is a complex and lengthy process. UAlberta’s Technology Transfer Services (TTS) team helps facilitate this journey. Part of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) portfolio, TTS helps researchers, postdoctoral fellows, staff and students transform innovations and discoveries into reality—moving them out of the university to benefit society, the economy, the world.
Create your free account to connect with University of Alberta, Technology Transfer Services and thousands of other innovative organizations and professionals worldwide
Send a request for information
to University of Alberta, Technology Transfer Services
Technology Offers on Innoget are directly posted
and managed by its members as well as evaluation of requests for information. Innoget is the trusted open innovation and science network aimed at directly connect industry needs with professionals online.
Need help requesting additional information or have questions regarding this Technology Offer?
Contact Innoget support
