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Advanced Neurology Graphene quantum dots approach in AD

these functionalization strategies can be used in the design 9. Conclusion
and development of GQDs for diagnosis and preventative
intervention of AD, as they can increase binding affinity The application of GQDs to improve the progression
and specificity. 22,94,95 The regulation of Aβ aggregation is a of AD by disintegrating the NFTs of tau protein holds
major area in targeting AD pathology. 96,97 Several studies promising therapeutic potential in AD research. However,
the limitations associated with their long-term exposure to
have investigated the experimental application of GQDs the brain must be thoroughly investigated, and potential
and their potential, particularly in functionalized form, side effects of GQDs should be minimized through a
in the regulation of amyloid-forming aggregation. One multidisciplinary translational neuroscience approach for
98
significant finding is that GQDs exhibit the potential to therapeutic applications in clinical trials.
penetrate the blood–brain barrier and prevent protein
aggregation and α-synuclein fibrillation. Moreover, Liu Acknowledgments
99
et al. demonstrated the positive modulation of Aβ using
100
GQDs, highlighting their positive role in preventing the None.
formation of amyloid proteins. These findings highlight Funding
the promising potential GQDs hold for AD diagnosis and
treatment therapy, warranting further investigation into None.
their clinical applications.
Conflict of interest
8.3. Challenges and future directions
The authors declare they have no competing interests.
GQDs hold tremendous promise as a clinical intervention
tool. However, several challenges remain in the application Author contributions
of GQDs. One major concern is their potential toxicity, as Conceptualization: Gideon Sorlelodum Alex, Adejoke
GQDs could cause major health risks and environmental Elizabeth Memudu, Tolulope Judah Gbayisomore
hazards. The use of biocompatible ligands or polymers to Visualization: Glory Farounbi, Martina Anene-Ogbe
alter the core–shell structure of GQDs is an effective way Writing – original draft: All authors
to reduce their potential toxicity, lessening the detrimental Writing – review & editing: All authors
consequences of poisoning. Another significant
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challenge is the high manufacturing cost of GQDs, which Ethics approval and consent to participate
it expensive and with limited production yield. Less than Not applicable.
30% of the weight is produced by the majority of top-down
and bottom-up synthesis methods used for GQDs. These Consent for publication
102
methods require high manufacturing costs and time-
consuming purification processes. Thus, future research Not applicable.
on GQDs should focus on improving manufacturing Availability of data
yield, photoluminescence quantum yield, and purification
techniques to make GQDs cost-effective for use. The Not applicable.
production of homogenous, high-quality GQDs with
consistent optical properties remains a major challenge. References
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with long-wavelength emission and versatility in imaging
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this, scientists have developed hydrothermally produced
bismuth- and gadolinium-coated CQDs, which can exhibit doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2014.02.001
fluorescence in a variety of colors, making them useful for 4. Javaid SF, Giebel C, Khan MA, Hashim MJ. Epidemiology
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Volume 4 Issue 4 (2025) 25 doi: 10.36922/an.7087