Curcumin-derived carbon quantum dots: Dual actions in mitigating tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloid beta aggregation

Abstract

The amyloid cascade and tau hypotheses both hold significant implications for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Curcumin shows potential by inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and reducing tau hyperphosphorylation, however, its use is limited due to issues with solubility and bioavailability. Carbon dots, recognized for their high biocompatibility and optimal water solubility, have demonstrated the capability to inhibit either Aβ or tau aggregation. Nonetheless, their effects on tau hyperphosphorylation are yet to be extensively explored. This study aims to evaluate the water-soluble curcumin-derived carbon quantum dots (Cur-CQDs) synthesized via an eco-friendly method, designed to preserve the beneficial effects of curcumin while overcoming solubility challenges. The synthesis of Cur-CQDs involves a single-step dry heating process using curcumin, resulting in dots that exhibit negligible cytotoxicity to SH-SY5Y cells at the examined concentrations. Notably, Cur-CQDs have shown the ability to simultaneously mitigate Aβ aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation. Therefore, it is suggested that Cur-CQDs may hold potential for AD treatment, a hypothesis deserving of further research.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Amyloid beta; Carbon quantum dots; Curcumin; Tau protein.