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According to the World Health Organization up to 55 million people have dementia
resulting in concerning socio-economic implications. About 60-80% cases of dementia are
associated with Alzheimer's disease. With all the advances in medicine, there still is no cure.
Blood-brain barrier monitors the entry and exit of nutrients and molecules which makes it
difficult for various drugs and therapeutic molecules to cross it. Carbon dots are made from
glucose to overcome the BBB. Rutin is a naturally existing flavonoid extracted from plants
and has therapeutic effects in neuroprotection. This study aims to improve the effectiveness
of rutin combined with targeted delivery of carbon dots. Carbon dots were loaded with Rutin
to make CD-Rutin, a nano-sized combination with a targeted drug. FTIR, UV-IR, and SEM
analysis have produced positive results regarding the doping of CDs with Rutin.
Administration of CD-Rutin was done in AD-like rat models at eight to twelve months of age.
Alzheimer's was induced in rats with Aluminum Chloride and D-galactose through IP
administration for two weeks. Behavioral tests were performed to check the progression of
the disease. In silico analysis was also done to check ligand-protein interaction to check
variation in the binding of Aβ isoforms with Rutin. Afterward, a single injection of CD-Rutin
(10 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally as well. Behavioral testing was done after the
administration of the drug. Characterization techniques revealed the successful formation of
CDs and subsequent loading of Rutin onto the CDs resulting in a CD-Rutin combination. In
silico analysis provided strong binding affinities of Rutin with Aβ isoforms affirming Rutin
as a favorable treatment to target amyloid aggregates. 3D configuration showed binding of
Rutin with hydrophobic domains of protein oligomers Behavioral testing provided significant
difference in the treated group with better memory retention and performance in activities
involved in behavioral testing. After behavioral testing, rats were dissected for molecular
analysis including H&E to assess cell degeneration and Thioflavin T staining to assess
amyloid aggregates in the brain tissues. Results provided positive data in terms of cell count
in the cortex. Overall results suggest that memory impairment and cognitive abilities were
significantly improved after injections. The results demonstrate the positive therapeutic
potential of CD-Rutin in Alzheimer's treatment.