Inhibition of metal-induced amyloid aggregation using light-responsive magnetic nanoparticle prochelator conjugates

Metal ions play important roles in amyloid aggregation and neurotoxicity. Metal-ion chelation therapy has been used in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. Here we report a novel strategy to design and construct a light controlled-release prochelator by using magnetic nanoparticles as a therapeutic agent for AD. By taking advantage of good biocompatibility, high selectivity toward metal ions of prochelators, and their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the newly synthesized nanoparticle–prochelator conjugates can efficiently inhibit Aβ aggregation, decrease cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect cells against Aβ-related toxicity, as demonstrated by spectral, TEM, gel electrophoresis and cellular toxicity studies. Since nanoparticles can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) which can overcome the drawbacks of unstable small chemicals or peptides, light-triggered functional NPs may provide a new method to constructAβ inhibitors. Therefore, our results shed light on the design of controlled-release multifunctional systems for AD treatment.