Gold Nanorods with Spatial Separation of CeO2 Deposition for Plasmonic-Enhanced Antioxidant Stress and Photothermal Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease

Activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of ceria nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) provide the possibility for their application in nervous system oxidative stress diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The addition of hot electrons produced by a plasma photothermal effect can expand the photocatalytic activity of CeO2 to the near-infrared region (NIR), significantly improving its redox performance. Therefore, we coated both ends of gold nanorods (Au NRs) with CeO2 NPs, and photocatalysis and photothermal therapy in the NIR are introduced into the treatment of AD. Meanwhile, the spatially separate structure enhances the catalytic performance and photothermal conversion efficiency. In addition, the photothermal effect significantly improves the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and overcomes the shortcomings of traditional anti-AD drugs. To further improve the therapeutic efficiency, A beta-targeted inhibitory peptides were modified on the middle surface of gold nanorods to synthesize KLVFF@Au-CeO2 (K-CAC) nanocomposites. We have verified their biocompatibility and therapeutic effectiveness at multiple levels in vitro and in vivo, which have a profound impact on the research and clinical transformation of nanotechnology in AD therapy.

Automated summary

This study explored the application of ceria nanoparticles in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By introducing photothermal effect and photocatalytic activity, the treatment efficacy was improved. Biocompatibility and therapeutic effectiveness of Aβ-targeted inhibitory peptide-modified nanocomposites were verified in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the significant potential of nanotechnology in AD therapy.