Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Researchers Develop Green Tea-Based Nanoparticle Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease

Key facts

• Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have identified a new pathway involving nanoparticles to treat Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
• The therapy involves nanoparticles that integrate epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) -- an antioxidant found in green tea --, dopamine -- a neurotransmitter important for mood -- and tryptophan -- an amino acid involved in many cellular functions -- into a nanoparticle called EGCG-dopamine-tryptophan nanoparticles (EDTNPs).
• Incorporation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) -- a protein crucial for the survival, growth, and function of neurons onto EDTNPs (B-EDTNPs) creates a dual-action nanoplatform that not only clears neurotoxic Amyloid Beta aggregates but also enhances neuronal regeneration.
• The research involves the synthesis of EDTNPs using biocompatible assembly techniques like pressure-assisted hydrothermal and electrostatic-based co-incubation methods to combine antioxidant, neurotransmitter, and amino acid components.
• The therapy enables it to simultaneously target amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal degeneration -- four key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's.