Study on the Application of a Novel Nano-Curcumin Drug for Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease hallmarked by impaired cognitive function and memory decline; it is accompanied by a variety of mental symptoms and behavioral disorders. This disease has a serious impact on society, families, and the afflicted patients. Curcumin (Cur) nanoparticles were preparation by modifying curcumin with polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid (PEG-PLA) amphiphilic block copolymer. The resulting nanodrug can successfully penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) and concentrate in the main pathological areas of AD. As measured with a Zeta particle size analyzer, the particle size of PEG-PLA/Cur was 100 ± 0.53 nm, and it was electrically neutral. In vitro experiments revealed that PEG-PLA/Cur successfully penetrated the membrane of PC12 cells and inhibited proliferation. PEG-PLA/Cur also exhibited an inhibitory effect on the production of amyloid β protein (Aβ fiber) and depolymerization activity on Aβ fiber aggregates. PEG-PLA/Cur represents a novel nanodrug with the potential to treat AD.