Indian researchers have developed a multifunctional nanoparticle-based therapy that targets multiple causes of Alzheimer’s disease, including toxic protein build-up and brain inflammation. (File Photo)
A team of researchers from Mohali’s Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli and Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) has led a breakthrough in a nanoparticle-based therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease which shows cell survival has increased from around 40–50 to nearly 90 per cent.
The study, published in international journal Small, involves a multifunctional nanoparticle-based therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease. “Unlike conventional treatments that address a single aspect of the disorder, the new strategy simultaneously targets toxic protein accumulation, neuronal damage, inflammation, and brain repair — offering renewed hope against one of the most complex neurodegenerative diseases,” Prof Nisha Singh, Assistant Professor of Bioinformatics at Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU) told The Indian Express.
Explaining the research, Prof Singh said, “Alzheimer’s disease happens when harmful protein clumps (called Aβ plaques) build up in the brain and damage brain cells, leading to memory loss and thinking problems. This research shows a new and promising way to treat Alzheimer’s disease by using tiny particles that work on multiple problems at once — removing toxic proteins, protecting brain cells, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain repair. This multi-action approach could lead to more effective future treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.”
Prof Singh holds a PhD in Plant Genomics and has completed postdoctoral research at Cornell University, USA. Her role involved computational modelling, molecular simulations and bioinformatics-driven analysis, which helped validate how the nanoparticles directly interact with and dismantle harmful amyloid-beta protein plaques in the brain.
Further elaborating, she said, “In this study, our group created very tiny particles (nanoparticles) made from three different molecules EGCG (a natural antioxidant found in green tea), Dopamine (a brain chemical important for normal brain function), and Tryptophan (an amino acid needed by cells). These complexes are called EDTNPs. They help by-stopping harmful protein clumps from forming, helping the brain clear already-formed plaques, reducing stress and damage inside brain cells, protecting brain cells and helping them survive.”
“To make the treatment even stronger, we added BDNF, a protein that helps brain cells grow and stay healthy. These improved nanoparticles are called B-EDTNPs. Through computational modelling and lab tests on brain-like cells showed that-cells badly damaged by Alzheimer’s-related proteins survived much better with B-EDTNPs. Cell survival increased from around 40–50 per cent to nearly 90 per cent, which is much better than using EDTNPs alone. Animal studies showed that-these nanoparticles broke down harmful protein plaques in the brain, brain inflammation was reduced, memory, learning, and behaviour improved significantly. Furthermore, Computer studies also confirmed that these nanoparticles directly attach to the harmful proteins and help break them apart,” she added.
The interdisciplinary nature of the research underscores the importance of advanced computational biology in next-generation healthcare solutions. The research was led by Dr Jiban Jyoti Panda and his team at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), with key collaborative contributions from Dr Ashok Kumar Datusalia of NIPER and Dr Nisha Singh of Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU).
What makes Dr Nisha Singh’s achievement inspiring is her personal journey during the research, said the Director General of GBU Dr Subeer S Majumdar. “She continued to lead and contribute to this demanding project during her pregnancy, balancing motherhood and high-impact scientific responsibility with remarkable determination. Her experience stands as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment in science, sending a strong message that pregnancy and professional excellence are not limitations, but milestones that can coexist with institutional support and personal resilience. Her journey resonates with thousands of young women scientists across the country who aspire to contribute to science without compromising their personal lives,” Majumdar said.
Gujarat Biotechnology University, located near GIFT City, Gandhinagar, is claimed to be the first university dedicated exclusively to biotechnology. Established by the Government of Gujarat’s Department of Science and Technology, GBU focuses on research-led education, innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a strong ecosystem for scientists to translate laboratory discoveries into real-world solutions aligned with national priorities.