Biodegradable nanogels to target brain inflammation and amyloid in Alzheimer's
Development of Biotherapeutic Nanogels for Alzheimers Disease Treatment
Testing tiny biodegradable gel particles designed to reach the brain and reduce the inflammation and amyloid buildup linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192817 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing special autofluorescent biopolymeric nanogels that can cross the blood–brain barrier and are taken up by microglial cells. Researchers will use computer modeling and preclinical Alzheimer models (including 3xTg-AD mice) to see if the nanogels bind amyloid-beta, limit its formation, and reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The team will also study the nanogels' biodegradability, cellular compatibility, and stability to confirm safety and delivery potential. If these steps are promising, the work could support future testing in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, especially those in early to moderate stages, would be the eventual candidates for therapies built from this work.
Not a fit: People with non‑Alzheimer dementias or those with very advanced Alzheimer's disease may be less likely to benefit from this specific anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow or delay Alzheimer's progression by lowering amyloid buildup and brain inflammation, potentially preserving memory and thinking for longer.
How similar studies have performed: Amyloid-targeting treatments have had mixed results in patients, and using autofluorescent biopolymeric nanogels is a relatively new preclinical approach with encouraging lab and animal signs but no human data yet.
Where this research is happening
Miami, United States
- Florida International University — Miami, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vashist, Arti — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Vashist, Arti
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.