Functionalized chitosan-modified defect-related luminescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles as new inhibitors for hIAPP aggregation

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP or amylin) forms the amyloid deposits that is an important factor in the induction of type II diabetes. Accordingly, it is essential to efficiently and accurately inhibit the aggregation of hIAPP for the treatment and prevention of the disease. Here, defect mesoporous silica (DLMSN), with blue fluorescence, can perfectly achieve the accurate positioning in cells or organisms. DL@CS@NF cannot only specifically bind to a hIAPP monomer, but also effectively inhibit hIAPP aggregation, reduce cytotoxicity and overcome the instability and inefficiency of NF(N-Me)GA(N-Me)IL (NF). Furthermore, DL@CS@NF nanoparticles can significantly improve the survival rate of islet cells, stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential, reduce the content of intracellular reactive oxygen species. In summary, DL@CS@NF nanoparticles may have broader implications in inhibiting the aggregation of hIAPP and reducing cytotoxicity. (paper)