Modified Ce/Zr-MOF Nanoparticles Loaded with Curcumin for Alzheimer's Disease via Multifunctional Modulation

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition, stands as the most prevalent form of dementia. Its complex pathological mechanisms and the formidable blood-brain barrier (BBB) pose significant challenges to current treatment approaches. Oxidative stress is recognized as a central factor in AD, underscoring the importance of antioxidative strategies in its treatment. In this study, we developed a novel brain-targeted nanoparticle, Ce/Zr-MOF@Cur-Lf, for AD therapy.

Layer-by-layer self-assembly technology was used to prepare Ce/Zr-MOF@Cur-Lf. In addition, the effect on the intracellular reactive oxygen species level, the uptake effect by PC12 and bEnd.3 cells and the in vitro BBB permeation effect were investigated. Finally, the mouse AD model was established by intrahippocampal injection of Aβ_1-42, and the in vivo biodistribution, AD therapeutic effect and biosafety of the nanoparticles were researched at the animal level.

As anticipated, Ce/Zr-MOF@Cur-Lf demonstrated efficient BBB penetration and uptake by PC12 cells, leading to attenuation of H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, intravenous administration of Ce/Zr-MOF@Cur-Lf resulted in rapid brain access and improvement of various pathological features of AD, including neuronal damage, amyloid-β deposition, dysregulated central cholinergic system, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.

Overall, Ce/Zr-MOF@Cur-Lf represents a promising approach for precise brain targeting and multi-target mechanisms in AD therapy, potentially serving as a viable option for future clinical treatment.