Development of a dual nanocarrier system as a potential stratagem against amyloid-induced toxicity

Abstract

Objective: Therapeutic formulation to reduce amyloid beta (Aβ) insult in neuronal cells remains an important focus in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. To combat the multifactorial threats that arise during amyloid plaque formation, multi-dimensional approach is required.

Methods: Peptide sequence KLVFF derived from the core recognition motif of Aβ_{1 – 42} can bind to the plaques and help to reduce further accumulation. In our previous work, we have reported various self-assembling structures of KLVFF along with its surface tension lowering ability to overcome the cytotoxicity caused by Aβ_{1 – 42}. In the present work, we have developed a novel combination of peptide–curcumin-loaded liposomal formulation and characterized for its morphology, protein adsorption and colloidal stability. The therapeutic efficacy of the formulation was tested using a cholinergic neuronal cell line pre-treated with Aβ_{1 – 42}.

Results: The physiochemical characterization and in vitro efficacy of peptide–curcumin-loaded liposomal formulation were found to outperform well in bringing down the amyloid toxicity.

Conclusion: This cumulative evidence indicates that the nanocarrier-based alternative treatment stratagem is an effective way to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords::

• Alzheimer’s disease
• amyloid beta
• curcumin
• liposomes
• Tjernberg peptide

Acknowledgement

The first author P Kumaraswamy wishes to thank Department of Science & Technology for the INSPIRE Fellowship grant (DST/INSPIRE Fellowship/2011/74). The authors also wish to acknowledge SASTRA University and PG Teaching Programme (No. SR/NM/PG–16/2007) of the Nano Mission Council, Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi for the infrastructural support.

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