Biophysical Properties of Nanoparticles Used in Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Dyshomeostasis of redox-active metals and subsequent detection of elevated levels of redox-active metals such as iron and copper in the brain suggests that such metals play a significant role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. Iron homeostasis is a key factor in maintaining brain health and preventing common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD), as well as macular degeneration. Under the circumstance that iron is not properly stored away or exported inefficiently, there can be various neuronal complications as a result of an accumulation of redox-active metals. Excess iron can lead to overabundant reactions in the brain, which in turn produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals. These cause not only DNA and protein damage but also lipid peroxidation and even cellular death, all of which can contribute to detrimental neurodegenerative diseases.

In this paper, various nanoparticles that have shown promise in Alzheimer's treatment by delivering drugs across the blood-brain barrier were first reviewed. Some polymeric nanoparticles have been explored and modeled using a molecular editing program to check their stability and activity. Improving drug efficacy and reducing toxicity are also studied. This paper aims to model several metal chelators through computer software and investigate the optimal design for such chelators that can be utilized in potential neuro treatments.