Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) fibrils in human brain, and the binding of metal ions, such as Zn2+, is closely associated with the aggregation and cytotoxicity of Aβ. Here, we designed and synthesized iminodiacetic acid-conjugated nanoparticles (IDA-NP) to modulate Aβ42 aggregation and reduce the cytotoxicity accelerated by Zn2+. Results showed that IDA-NP enabled high metal-chelate capacity (752μmol/g) and potent inhibition capability against Aβ42 fibrillation. Zn2+ ions could be completely removed by chelating to IDA-NP, which leads to the recovery of on-pathway Aβ42 fibrillation. Then, the special surface character of IDA-NP inhibited Aβ42 fibrillation. As a result, IDA-NP protected SH-SY5Y cells from the cytotoxicity induced by Zn2+-Aβ42 species, as evidenced by about 80% (from 47.6% to 86.3%) increase of the cell viability. The research proved that IDA-NP was a potent bifunctional nano-modulator for preventing Zn2+-mediated Aβ aggregation and cytotoxicity.
Keywords: Aggregation; Amyloid β-protein; Inhibitor; Metal chelator; Nanoparticle.
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