Abstract

The transformative role of nanoparticles in advancing neurological treatments, focusing on their properties, applications, and potential in addressing diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis, was explored in this chapter. Nanoparticles smaller than 20–30 nm exhibit excess surface energy, rendering them thermodynamically unstable. These particles often undergo crystallographic alterations, such as lattice contraction, defect formation, and surface atom rearrangements to achieve stability. These nanoscale characteristics significantly influence their interfacial reactivity and properties, which are crucial for drug delivery and diagnostics applications. In drug delivery, nanoparticles offer significant advantages over traditional methods like powders and tablets by enabling controlled release and targeted delivery. They are broadly categorized into organic types, such as liposomes and polymers, and inorganic types, like silica and carbon. In the context of AD, nanoparticles have shown promise in various therapeutic strategies, including clearing Aβ fibrils, modulating the cholinergic system, reducing oxidative stress, and addressing tau protein dysregulation. The concept of “nanomedicine” has evolved from speculative ideas about microscopic machines to practical applications in medical science, offering new avenues for treatment and diagnostics. Recent advancements in nanoparticle technology, such as the use of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 selenium nanoparticles, demonstrate their potential in cognitive enhancement and modulation of the gut-brain axis, highlighting their promise in managing AD. Additionally, innovations like the MTNs assay offer a rapid and cost-effective approach for isolating clinically relevant exosomes from body fluids, enhancing noninvasive diagnostic capabilities for neurological diseases. Safety and toxicity remain critical considerations, as demonstrated by studies on iron oxide nanoparticles, which show minimal adverse effects on lung cells with appropriate surface modifications. Finally, emerging diagnostic tools, such as peptide-coated gold nanoclusters, represent significant advancements in early Alzheimer’s detection. These probes facilitate noninvasive imaging and early diagnosis, potentially revolutionizing the field by improving detection methods beyond traditional Aβ plaque analysis. Overall, nanoparticle technology is poised to revolutionize neurology by enhancing diagnostic precision, enabling targeted therapies, and overcoming key challenges in disease management, thus promising significant improvements in patient care and treatment outcomes.