Cynthia Imtiaz

About

Cynthia Imtiaz is a researcher at Jeju National University working on focused ultrasound (FUS)–mediated blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening for targeted, non-invasive drug delivery to the brain. Her research applies this approach to neurodegenerative disease models such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, combining in vivo imaging, behavioral assays, and biochemical analysis to evaluate therapeutic delivery and efficacy.

Research Interests

• Focused ultrasound (FUS)–mediated blood–brain barrier opening (BBBO)
• Targeted nanoparticle drug delivery to the brain
• Neurodegenerative disease models (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s)
• Diagnostic imaging analysis and image processing

Selected Publication

Focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening enhances delivery of Rg3 ginseng nanoparticles in a Parkinson’s disease mouse model Cynthia Imtiaz, Changsoo Kim, Dong-Guk Paeng. International Journal of Pharmaceutics: X, 12 (2026) 100583. doi:10.1016/j.ijpx.2026.100583

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) blocks most neuroprotective compounds from reaching the brain, which limits treatment options for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The neuroprotective ginsenoside Rg3 is similarly held back by poor BBB permeability. In this study, focused ultrasound was used to transiently and locally open the BBB (FUS-BBBO) in a rotenone-induced PD mouse model, after which FITC-labeled Rg3 nanoparticles were administered intraperitoneally. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging confirmed that FUS-BBBO significantly increased the accumulation of the nanoparticles in the brain. The combined FUS-BBBO + Rg3 nanoparticle treatment showed higher mitochondrial markers (ATP and Complex I activity) than the untreated PD group, along with improvements in motor performance. These results indicate that FUS-mediated BBB opening can enhance brain delivery of Rg3 nanoparticles and help support mitochondrial function — a promising, though still preliminary, combination strategy for Parkinson’s disease that warrants further study.