Using carbon quantum dots to protect neurons from pesticide damage
Development and testing of Carbon Quantum Dot architectures to arrest neurotoxicant-insult- related outcomes
This study is looking at how tiny particles made from plant waste, called carbon quantum dots, might help protect brain cells from damage caused by harmful pesticides and other toxins, which could be especially helpful for people at risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas El Paso NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10888360 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) to prevent neuronal damage caused by exposure to harmful pesticides and other neurotoxic substances. By utilizing green-chemical techniques to synthesize CQDs from biowaste, the study aims to restore cellular balance and reduce the harmful effects of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that lead to neurodegenerative diseases. The approach focuses on understanding how these CQDs can mitigate the aggregation of toxic proteins in neurons, which is a key factor in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to pesticides or those at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to neurotoxicants or do not have a predisposition to neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new protective strategies against neurodegenerative diseases linked to environmental toxins.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of carbon quantum dots in this context is relatively novel, similar approaches using nanomaterials for neuroprotection have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
El Paso, United States
- University of Texas El Paso — El Paso, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narayan, Mahesh — University of Texas El Paso
- Study coordinator: Narayan, Mahesh
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.