Targeting Alzheimer's pathophysiology with carbon dots: from mechanisms to therapy

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a significant challenge due to the blood-brain barrier, complex causes, and failed single-target therapies.
• Multi-targeted therapeutic strategies are emerging as a promising approach to address AD's complex pathophysiology.
• Carbon dots (CDs) are ultrasmall, biocompatible nanomaterials with potential for AD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review current research on carbon dots for Alzheimer's disease.
• To emphasize mechanistic insights, targeting strategies, and transport mechanisms of CDs.
• To address regulatory hurdles and translational gaps for clinical application.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on carbon dots in Alzheimer's disease.
• Analysis of carbon dot properties, including size, biocompatibility, and blood-brain barrier penetration.
• Examination of carbon dot applications in targeting protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.

Main Results:

• Carbon dots can traverse the blood-brain barrier and target multiple AD pathologies, including protein aggregation, reactive oxygen species, and neuroinflammation.
• Surface chemistry and ligand-free strategies enhance carbon dot targeting and transport.
• Photodynamic therapy integration offers additional therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• Carbon dots represent a promising nanoplatform for Alzheimer's disease, integrating molecular and pharmacological perspectives.
• Further research is needed to overcome regulatory hurdles and translational gaps for clinical use.
• Carbon dots offer a multi-targeted approach to combat the complexity of Alzheimer's disease.