Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a novel nanotechnology-based approach that could change how Alzheimer’s disease is treated. By targeting multiple disease mechanisms at once, the research addresses long-standing limitations of conventional Alzheimer’s therapies and opens a new pathway for future interventions.
Why Alzheimer’s Disease Needs New Treatment Strategies
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by memory loss, cognitive decline, and impaired thinking skills. With ageing populations worldwide, AD has become a major public health challenge, imposing a heavy economic and caregiving burden.
Most existing therapies focus on a single pathological feature, such as amyloid beta plaque accumulation or oxidative stress. However, Alzheimer’s is a multifactorial disease, involving interconnected processes like inflammation, neuronal degeneration, and biochemical imbalance. This complexity explains why single-target drugs have shown limited clinical success.
The Scientific Breakthrough from INST Mohali
Scientists at INST, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have designed a multifunctional nanoparticle-based therapy that addresses multiple pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s simultaneously. Their findings have been published in the international journal “Small”.
The therapy integrates three biologically active components into a single nanoparticle:
- Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol antioxidant found in green tea
- Dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and neural signalling
- Tryptophan, an amino acid essential for various cellular functions
These are combined to form EGCG-dopamine-tryptophan nanoparticles, known as EDTNPs.
How the Nanoparticles Act on Alzheimer’s Pathology
EDTNPs are designed to simultaneously target four key pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Amyloid beta aggregation
- Oxidative stress
- Neuroinflammation
- Neuronal degeneration
This multi-pronged action distinguishes the therapy from conventional approaches that act on only one disease pathway.
Role of BDNF in Enhancing Neuroprotection
To further strengthen the therapeutic effect, the researchers functionalised the nanoparticles with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein crucial for neuron survival, growth, and synaptic function.
The resulting platform, known as B-EDTNPs, performs a dual role. It helps clear neurotoxic amyloid beta aggregates that disrupt neural communication, while also promoting neuronal regeneration and repair. This combination of antioxidant, anti-amyloid, and neurotrophic actions is considered rare in Alzheimer’s therapeutics.
Evidence from Experiments and Simulations
Laboratory experiments and studies on mouse models showed promising outcomes. The nanoparticles were able to disassemble toxic protein plaques, reduce inflammation, restore cellular balance in brain cells, and improve memory and learning abilities.
Computational simulations further revealed that the nanoparticles bind to amyloid beta fibrils at the molecular level, destabilising and breaking them apart. These results collectively suggest strong neuroprotective potential.
Why This Research Matters for the Future
If successfully translated into clinical practice, this multi-level therapy could significantly improve quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and reduce caregiver burden. It also highlights India’s growing capabilities in advanced biomedical research that integrates nanotechnology, molecular biology, and computational modelling.
Beyond Alzheimer’s, the approach demonstrates how multifunctional nanoplatforms could be developed for other complex diseases that cannot be addressed through single-target therapies.
What to Note for Prelims?
- INST Mohali is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology.
- EGCG is a polyphenol antioxidant found in green tea.
- BDNF supports neuron survival, growth, and function.
- The research was published in the journal “Small”.
What to Note for Mains?
- Limitations of single-target drug therapies for multifactorial diseases.
- Role of nanotechnology in modern medical research.
- India’s institutional ecosystem for advanced scientific innovation.
- Challenges in translating laboratory research into clinical treatments.
