Photoacoustic dissociation of Alzheimer’s β-Amyloid aggregate structure

Abstract

Metal-organic framework-derived carbon (MOFC) nanoparticles are NIR light-responsive materials that exhibit photoacoustic properties, ultra-high porosity, structural stability, and biocompatibility. This research reports a new strategy to dissociate beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptide aggregates using photoacoustically-driven microbubbles. Since the extracellular accumulation of Aβ peptide aggregates is a classic feature of AD which induces cognitive dysfunction, their clearance has been considered a prospective approach for AD treatment. From multiple microscopic and spectroscopic analyses, we reveal that MOFC nanoparticles effectively dissociate Aβ fibrils upon NIR light by disrupting the beta-sheet secondary structure. In addition, it is verified that MOFC nanoparticles are non-toxic to neuronal cells and alleviate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. This work suggests the potential of photoacoustic dissociation for treatment of AD.