Reply to Comment on Conopeptide-Functionalized Nanoparticles Selectively Antagonize Extrasynaptic N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptors and Protect Hippocampal Neurons from Excitotoxicity In Vitro

In this manuscript, we provide precise answers to the concerns expressed by Molokanova et al. in their comment. In our reply, we highlight that there is indeed substantial agreement between our study and the one reported in Nano Letters by the Molokanova’s group.1 We believe this is a very important aspect because it proves the validity of the chosen approach, i.e. PEGylated AuNPs carrying NMDAR antagonists and with an overall dimension large enough to prevent their diffusion into the synapse can exclusively antagonize extrasynaptic NMDAR-mediated currents and are thereby neuroprotective.