Carbon Nanodot‐Sensitized Modulation of Alzheimer's β‐Amyloid Self‐Assembly, Disassembly, and Toxicity. Issue 34 (17th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chung, You Jung; Kim, Kayoung; Lee, Byung Il; Park, Chan Beum
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 13:Issue 34(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-07-17
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- β‐amyloid -- carbon nanodots -- disassembly -- self‐assembly; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201700983
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract : The self‐assembly of amyloidogenic peptides into β‐sheet‐rich aggregates is a general feature of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, which signifies the need for the effective attenuation of amyloid aggregation toward alleviating amyloid‐associated neurotoxicity. This study reports that photoluminescent carbon nanodots (CDs) can effectively suppress Alzheimer's β‐amyloid (Aβ) self‐assembly and function as a β‐sheet breaker disintegrating preformed Aβ aggregates. This study synthesizes CDs using ammonium citrate through one‐pot hydrothermal treatment and passivates their surface with branched polyethylenimine (bPEI). The bPEI‐coated CDs (bPEI@CDs) exhibit hydrophilic and cationic surface characteristics, which interact with the negatively charged residues of Aβ peptides, suppressing the aggregation of Aβ peptides. Under light illumination, bPEI@CDs display a more pronounced effect on Aβ aggregation and on the dissociation of β‐sheet‐rich assemblies through the generation of reactive oxygen species from photoactivated bPEI@CDs. The light‐triggered attenuation effect of Aβ aggregation using a series of experiments, including photochemical and microscopic analysis, is verified. Furthermore, the cell viability test confirms the ability of photoactivated bPEI@CDs for the suppression of Aβ‐mediated cytotoxicity, indicating bPEI@CDs' potency as an effective anti‐Aβ neurotoxin agent. Abstract : Carbon nanodots (CDs) suppress Alzheimer's β‐amyloid (Aβ) self‐assembly and function as an antiamyloidogenic, β‐sheet breaker to disintegrate preformed Aβ aggregates. The branched polyethylenimine (bPEI)‐coated CDs (bPEI@CDs) induce higher hindrance on Aβ aggregation compared to bare CDs. Under light illumination, bPEI@CDs display more pronounced effects on Aβ aggregation inhibition and the dissociation of β‐sheet‐rich assemblies through generating reactive oxygen species.