Participation of the INL team in a study coordinated by UMinho that finds solution to mitigate Alzheimer’s progression

November 4, 2021


INL- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, through the hands of Marisa P. Sárria, participated in a study coordinated by the School of Sciences at the University of Minho (ECUM) that discovered an “effective method” for transporting drugs to the brain that can attenuate the progression and symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

This study that brought together, eight scientists from the Science, Engineering and Medicine schools of the University of Minho and one from the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proposes a new concept of exosome-like liposomes for controlled delivery.

The goal of this work was to develop a new type of liposomes with a unique mixture of phospholipids, similar to naturally occurring exosomes but overcoming their limitations of heterogeneity and low productivity, for the therapeutic delivery of bioactive compounds. Curcumin was chosen as a model compound, as it is a phytochemical molecule known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can protect the brain against oxidative stress and reduce β-amyloid accumulation, major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Specifically, this team developed a new type of liposomes, with results already proven in a zebrafish model, without registering any side effects. “With this innovation, it is believed to be able to slow the progression and alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease,” the statement adds.

Now, researchers need funding to move internationally and also to explore the potential of that innovation in other diseases and other non-therapeutic perspectives that have social or commercial interest.

The innovation, already patented, was recently published as a cover theme in the scientific journal “Journal of Controlled Release”. All the information can be found here.