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As a progressive, irreversible neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to be a serious public health problem worldwide. Currently, the most available pharmacological treatment for AD acts by alleviating and temporarily decreasing the symptoms rather than targeting the etiological mechanisms and realizing a complete cure. Nanotechnology based on its distinctive properties offers an alternative platform for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of AD. Herein, we provide a brief review of this important field through bibliometric analysis for better comprehending and promoting the development of nanotechnology in AD. In this review, we first sort out and analyze the publishing trend, countries/institutions, reference sources and research hotspots of AD-related nanotechnology by using bibliometric analysis and visualization method. Then according to the objective classification of the research field in AD assorted by bibliometric analysis, the key roles of nanotechnology in both diagnostic (biosensor and imaging) and therapeutic (nanoparticle as drug carrier and nanomedicine) aspects of AD are summarized, proceeding from the current challenges and pathogenic mechanism. In addition, we also lay stress on the potential nanotoxicity of nanomaterials in AD. At the end of the review, the perspectives for the development of nanotechnology in AD applications are highlighted. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive review regarding nanotechnology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) applications using bibliometric analysis method. • Publication trend regarding annual growth and research hotspots of the nanotechnology-AD field are objectively identified. • The major biomedical applications of nano-AD include diagnosis (biosensor/imaging) and therapy (nanomedicine/drug delivery). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) play vital roles in maintaining the homeostasis of biogenic amines by catalyzing their oxidation to the corresponding aldehydes. Recent studies have suggested that MAOs can be effective biomarkers for certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. To elucidate their distinct roles in different diseases, their selective detection is essential. In this study, we functionalized triarylboron compounds with the hydrophilic cyclen group, to develop novel fluorescent probe for detecting MAOs. TAB-1 , TAB-2 and TAB-Br were synthesized, the hydrophilicity of the molecule was tuned by varying the number of diphenylamine and cyclen groups introduced into the structure. TAB-1 and TAB-2 exhibited significantly enhanced fluorescence in the presence of MAO A or MAO B. This is because their hydrophilic and flexible cyclen groups can be oxidized by MAOs to more hydrophobic and rigid molecular structure, which can reduce energy dissipation resulting from intramolecular motion. TAB-2 exhibit a more obvious aggregation phenomena than TAB-1 and a blueshift in the fluorescence spectra, thus allowing a ratiometric readout. Moreover, such a mechanism also provides a rapid response speed for MAOs. The introduction of TAB-2 into different live cells showed that it could differentiate the cells overexpressing MAO from other cells. • A triarylboron based ratiometric fluorescent probe for MAOs was developed by functionalizing the triarylboron compound with cyclen groups. • The probe can fast and sensitive response for MAOs by a reaction-induced aggregation mechanism. • The probe was capable of differentiating MAOs-overexpressing cells from other cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]