Effect of curcumin and Cu2+/Zn2+ ions on the fibrillar aggregates formed by the amyloid peptide and other peptides at the organic-aqueous interface

Characteristic features of a perilous neuro-degenerative disease such as the Alzhiemer's disease is fibrillar plaque formation by the amyloid (Aβ) peptide. We have modelled the formation and disintegration of fibrils by studying the aggregate structures formed by Aβ structural motif diphenylalanine as well as insulin and bovine serum albumin at the organic-aqueous interface. Even small concentrations of curcumin in the organic medium or Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions in the aqueous medium are found to break down the fibrillar structures.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (134KB)Download full-size imageResearch highlights► Fibril formation of amyloid β peptide structural motif diphenylalanine at organic-aqueous interface. ► Study on the aggregation of insulin and bovine serum albumin at the organic-aqueous interface. ► Direct evidence for breaking down of fibrillar aggregates in the presence of curcumin, Cu2+ and Zn2+. ► An important finding which may have bio-medical implications.