RVG29-Functionalized Lipid Nanoparticles for Quercetin Brain Delivery and Alzheimer's Disease

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease is characterized by amyloid-beta aggregation.
• Effective drug delivery to the brain is a major challenge.
• Quercetin possesses neuroprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop RVG29-functionalized lipid nanoparticles (SLN and NLC) for targeted brain delivery.
• To load nanoparticles with quercetin for neuroprotection.
• To investigate their potential in Alzheimer's disease therapy.

Main Methods:

• Nanoparticle characterization using NMR, FTIR, TEM, and DLS.
• In vitro studies using hCMEC/D3 cell line (blood-brain barrier model).
• Amyloid-beta fibrillation inhibition assay (Thioflavin T).

Main Results:

• RVG29-nanoparticles showed suitable size (<250 nm) and zeta potential (-20 to -25 mV).
• High quercetin entrapment efficiency (>80%, NLC up to 90%).
• Enhanced blood-brain barrier permeability (1.5-fold) and inhibited amyloid-beta aggregation.

Conclusions:

• RVG29-nanoparticles efficiently deliver quercetin across the blood-brain barrier.
• This nanosystem demonstrates potential for Alzheimer's disease treatment by targeting the BBB and protecting neurons.