Silver-functionalized carbon dots regulate amyloid aggregation and microbial infection
Chao Wang1, Xu Shao1, Xiuyun Cao1
1Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China. xinwang@nwpu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Amyloid accumulation and microbial infections are major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, most of the current drugs are limited to single-target therapeutic strategies against amyloid or microbial infections, resulting in poor clinical treatment effects. Herein, we propose a novel multi-targeted strategy that can achieve multiple effects of inhibition of amyloid aggregation, depolymerization of mature amyloid fibrils, and anti-microbial infection. Experiments conducted in vitro have shown that silver-functionalized carbon dots (Ag@TACDs), at concentrations as low as 10 μg mL-1, significantly impact the misfolding of Aβ42 and the depolymerization of Aβ42 fibrils. Moreover, Ag@TACDs exhibit outstanding ability to resist bacterial infections. At the same time, Ag@TACDs have good biocompatibility, enhance cell activity, and alleviate the cytotoxicity caused by Aβ42 oligomers. Our approach provides an effective strategy for the design of multi-target inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease.
Insights
This study introduces silver-functionalized carbon dots (Ag@TACDs) as a novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. Ag@TACDs target both amyloid aggregation and microbial infections, offering a multi-faceted therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to amyloid accumulation and microbial infections.
- Current single-target therapies for AD show limited clinical efficacy.
- A multi-targeted strategy is needed to address AD's complex pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel multi-targeted therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.
- To investigate the efficacy of silver-functionalized carbon dots (Ag@TACDs) against amyloid aggregation and microbial infections.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and cellular effects of Ag@TACDs.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the impact of Ag@TACDs on amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) misfolding and fibril depolymerization.
- Antimicrobial activity of Ag@TACDs against bacterial infections was evaluated.
- Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays were performed to determine biocompatibility and effects on Aβ42 oligomer-induced toxicity.
Main Results:
- Ag@TACDs significantly inhibited Aβ42 misfolding and depolymerized mature Aβ42 fibrils at low concentrations (10 μg mL-1).
- Ag@TACDs demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties against bacterial infections.
- The novel agent exhibited good biocompatibility, enhanced cell activity, and reduced cytotoxicity from Aβ42 oligomers.
Conclusions:
- Ag@TACDs represent a promising multi-targeted strategy for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
- This approach effectively targets key pathological hallmarks of AD, including amyloid aggregation and infection.
- The findings support the development of Ag@TACDs as potential multi-target inhibitors for AD therapy.
