Scientists from the Catholic University of Rome and “Agostino Gemelli” Hospital have developed a new nanodevice in the form of a nasal spray that delivers lithium directly to the brain via tiny gold particles, aiming to treat and prevent psychiatric and neurological diseases such as bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and brain inflammation caused by herpes simplex virus type 1.

The research was led by four scientists: Professors Roberto Piacentini, Antonio Bonerba, Alfonso Grassi, and Claudio Grassi. The study was published in the journal Advanced Materials and the patent was registered in Italy and abroad, as part of a collaboration between the Catholic University of Rome and the University of Salerno.

Safe Lithium at Lower Doses

The team demonstrated that it is possible to inhibit the activity of the enzyme GSK-3β, responsible for the development of degenerative and psychiatric diseases, directly inside the brain thanks to lithium-loaded gold particles administered nasally.

Roberto Piacentini said: “Our challenge was to develop a method that allows us to benefit from the therapeutic effects of lithium without causing its side effects, delivering it specifically to the brain, avoiding systemic circulation.”

He added: “Nasal administration is the optimal route to direct the treatment straight to the brain, avoiding the bloodstream. Gold is an inert element excreted by the kidneys, preventing accumulation in the brain even with repeated doses.”

He pointed out that the new approach achieves the same effect as oral lithium but at much lower concentrations, reducing the risk of toxicity and directing the drug directly to the brain.

Memory Improvement Without Side Effects

The researchers confirmed that the new spray restored memory functions in mice with an experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease after only five days of treatment, with improvements continuing after two months of regular use without any harmful effects.

Professor Antonio Bonerba stated: “Gold particles are an ideal tool for this strategy, as they can be activated by glutathione, which facilitates their entry into cells and allows binding of ions like lithium.”

He continued: “After entering the cells, the gold particles break down and release lithium inside the cells to reach effective therapeutic concentrations at low doses.”

New Therapeutic Horizons

Professor Claudio Grassi confirmed that this technology paves the way for developing safer drugs, explaining: “Current lithium-based drugs are effective but cause kidney and thyroid damage due to systemic absorption. Delivering lithium directly to the brain at low doses opens the door to safe treatments for psychiatric disorders, degenerative diseases, and even viral infections that activate the enzyme GSK-3β.”

Grassi concluded the research team’s statements by saying: “Our particles are easily produced and reduce manufacturing costs, making them suitable for entering the pharmaceutical market in the near future.”