Silver-functionalized carbon dots regulate amyloid aggregation and microbial infection

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.