Ferric–Tannic Nanoparticles Increase Neuronal Cellular Clearance

Targeting
cellular clearance function in brain cells provides new
opportunities for the prevention of dementia by clearance of potentially
dangerous molecules. Herein, we present a new approach to enhancing
neuroactive and neuroprotective activities in a neuronal cell line
using ferric–tannic nanoparticles (FTs). Major biological functions
mediated by FTs were clearly found to promote neuronal tube growth
through the activation of axon guidance pathways. A number of neuronal
tubes were found to increase under stimulation of amyloid beta-peptides,
oxidative stress, and serum deprivation. The neuronal tubes generated
play a role in clearing debris and amyloid beta-peptides. Another
key function in cellular clearance mediated by FTs was their capability
of inducing autophagy with the activation of lysosomes. Therefore,
FTs are a promising new strategy for brain cell protection through
the activation of the cellular clearance function. Hopefully, our
findings will pave the way for the development of new methods for
the prevention and therapy of dementia.