Metallic nanomaterials in Parkinson's disease: a transformative approach for early detection and targeted therapy

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by substantial loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to both motor and non-motor symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. The prevalence of PD is expected to increase with the aging population, affecting millions globally. Current detection techniques, including clinical assays and neuroimaging, lack the sensitivity and specificity to sense PD in its earliest stages. Despite extensive research, there is no cure for PD, and available treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief rather than halting disease progression. Conventional treatments, such as levodopa and dopamine agonists, provide limited and often temporary relief, with long-term use associated with significant side effects and diminished efficacy. Nanotechnology, particularly the use of metallic-based nanomaterials (MNMs), offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations. MNMs, due to their unique physicochemical properties, can be engineered to target specific cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in PD. These MNMs can improve drug delivery, enhance imaging and biosensing techniques, and provide neuroprotective effects. For example, gold and silver nanoparticles have shown potential in crossing the blood–brain barrier, providing real-time imaging for early diagnosis and delivering therapeutic agents directly to the affected neurons. This review aims to reveal the current advancements in the use of MNMs for the detection and treatment of PD. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the limitations of conventional detection techniques and therapies, followed by a detailed discussion on how nanotechnology can address these challenges. The review will also highlight recent preclinical research and examine the potential toxicity of MNMs. By emphasizing the potential of MNMs, this review article aims to underscore the transformative impact of nanotechnology in revolutionizing the detection and treatment of PD.