Tiny Gold Nanoparticles Show Promise For Early Parkinson's Disease Detection: Study Suggests - Video

A recent study published in the Nanoscale journal (Royal Society of Chemistry) reveals a promising nanotechnology-based tool for the early detection of Parkinson's Disease (PD), led by Dr. Sharmistha Sinha at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali.

Parkinson’s, one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders globally, is projected to affect a growing number of people in India due to an aging population, creating a heavy burden on healthcare systems. Early diagnosis remains a challenge, as most cases are identified only after significant brain damage has occurred.

The research focused on detecting harmful changes in a protein called α-synuclein, known to be linked with PD. This protein transforms from a harmless form to toxic aggregates that damage brain cells. The team developed gold nanoclusters (AuNCs)—tiny, glowing particles only a few nanometers wide—coated with amino acids to selectively bind either the normal or toxic protein forms. Proline-coated clusters bound to the normal protein, while histidine-coated clusters attached to the toxic aggregates, enabling clear differentiation.

The scientists engineered and purified both normal and mutant forms of α-synuclein, then characterized the nanoclusters using advanced techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods. They tested the biosensor’s effectiveness in human neuroblastoma cells to confirm its safety and function in biological conditions.

Dr. Sinha emphasized that this label-free, cost-effective, and clinically adaptable platform could enable point-of-care diagnostics for PD, allowing early intervention and improved patient outcomes. The approach may extend to detecting other protein-misfolding diseases like Alzheimer’s, potentially transforming neurological disease management worldwide. This collaborative effort highlights how innovative nanotechnology can revolutionize early disease detection.

Reference: Harpreet Kaur, Arpit Tyagi, Ishani Sharma, Deepak Sharma, Sharmistha Sinha; Differentiating α-synuclein aggregates using charge-sensitive gold nanoclusters; Nanoscale -Royal Society of Chemistry; https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00887E