Magnetic nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: Neuroimaging / animal imaging. (7th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ulanova, Marina; Gloag, Lucy; Bongers, Andre; Gooding, Justin; Biazik, Joanna; Tilley, Richard; Sachdev, Perminder S.; Braidy, Nady
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 16(2020)Supplement 5
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-12-07
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.041609
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Nanoparticle‐based magnetic contrast agents have opened the potential for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to be used for early non‐invasive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current methods for clinical diagnosis in the early stages of the disease, such as Positron Emission Tomography imaging of amyloid build‐up, are limited by their availability and cost. The aim of this research is to develop a novel non‐toxic amyloid targeted nanoparticle which can successfully permeate the blood brain barrier and bind amyloid plaques resulting in enhanced contrast in the MR image and improved diagnostic sensitivity. Methods: Targeted iron nanoparticles were assessed using a U‐251 cell line to determine their in vitro toxicity. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the movement of the nanoparticles within the cell and in vitro binding to amyloid fibrils. APPSwe/PSEN1 mice were treated with increasing doses of targeted and non‐targeted nanoparticles to evaluate acute in vivo toxicity, in addition to nanoparticle biodistribution and MRI contrast enhancement. Results: The novel targeted nanoparticles have demonstrated no significant in vitro toxicity and electron microscopy results show their movement through the endocytic cycle within the cell, demonstrating an effective degradation and clearance pathway (Figure). No acute toxicity was observed in the animal model. In addition, immunohistochemistry demonstrated nanoparticles to co‐localise with plaques on ex vivo brain sections. Conclusion: The present work shows promising preliminary results in the development of a targeted non‐invasive method of early AD diagnosis using contrast enhanced MRI.