Amyloid β plaque deposits are the main indicator of Alzheimer’s disease; however, diagnosis is currently based on late-stage symptoms. Thus, there is a need to detect Aβ fibrils in vivo at an earlier stage to ensure symptom management and effective treatment. Dr. Jianjun Cheng from the University has created a technology that addresses this need.
Dr. Cheng has developed a two-step, chemistry-based strategy using ThT-A and a near-infrared dye to target Aβ fibrils in the brain. This strategy was shown to be effective for imaging of Aβ fibrils in mice with a near-IR fluorescence probe.
• Allows for the earlier detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
• Offers an alternative method for detecting and characterizing Aβ plaques
• Readily acceptable with multiple imaging modalities