Amyloid, A Jekyll and Hyde Molecule, Induces Neuronal Decline and Cognitive Dysfunction but is also a Unique Molecular Template used in Nano-Electronics, Light Capture Photovoltaics, Biosensors and in Neuromorphic Computing

Abstract

Margaret M Smith and James Melrose

This study, examined the self-assembly of amyloid peptides β-40 or β-42 to form neurotoxic plaque and neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal dysfunction and diseases of cognitive decline (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington's disease). However, not all amyloids are toxic, functional amyloids are non-toxic ordered structures that have been used in tissue engineering applications. Long and hollow amyloid fibres and flattened tube and spiral ribbon-like structures are diverse self-assembling structures that have found application in the development of next generation computers and biosensors, ultracapacitors, memristors, actuators, molecular switches, artificial synapses and in photoelectric photon capture light harvesting technologies in nano-photoelectronics, photovoltaics and photo- pharmacological drug regulation. Hybrid Aβ(16–22)-α-synuclein amyloid fibrils also exhibits light-harvesting and electron-transfer properties. Engineered amyloid assemblies are thus driving futuristic developments in nano- technology. With a better understanding of amyloid fibril assembly clues are also being uncovered as to how the toxic build up of amyloid deposits in brain tissues and resultant diseases of cognitive decline may be prevented. The elevated incidence of neurological diseases in the ageing general global population, points to a clear need to find a remedy for these debilitating conditions.

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