Carboxylic Group Functionalized Carbon Quantum Dots inhibit Hen Egg
White Lysozyme Amyloidogenesis, leading to the Formation of Spherical
Aggregates with Reduced Toxicity and ROS Generation

M.P. Taraka      Prabhu; Shreya      Chrungoo; Nandini      Sarkar

doi:10.2174/0113892037294778240328041907

Abstract

Introduction: Proteinopathies are a group of diseases where the protein structure has been altered. These alterations are linked to the production of amyloids, which are persistent, organized clumps of protein molecules through inter-molecular interactions. Several disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, have been related to the presence of amyloids. Highly ordered beta sheets or beta folds are characteristic of amyloids; these structures can further self- assemble into stable fibrils.

Methods: Protein aggregation is caused by a wide variety of environmental and experimental factors, including mutations, high pH, high temperature, and chemical modification. Despite several efforts, a cure for amyloidosis has yet to be found. Due to its advantageous semi-conducting characteristics, unique optical features, high surface area-to-volume ratio, biocompatibility, etc., carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have lately emerged as key instruments for a wide range of biomedical applications. To this end, we have investigated the effect of CQDs with a carboxyl group on their surface (CQD-CA) on the in vitro amyloidogenesis of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL).

Results: By generating a stable compound that is resistant to fibrillation, our findings show that CQD-CA can suppress amyloid and disaggregate HEWL. In addition, CQD-CA caused the creation of non-toxic spherical aggregates, which generated much less reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Conclusion: Overall, our results show that more research into amyloidosis treatments, including surface functionalized CQDs, is warranted.

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DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0113892037294778240328041907	Print ISSN 1389-2037
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Carboxylic Group Functionalized Carbon Quantum Dots inhibit Hen Egg White Lysozyme Amyloidogenesis, leading to the Formation of Spherical Aggregates with Reduced Toxicity and ROS Generation

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