Exploring the Impact of Curcumin and Carbon Nanotubes on Beta-amyloid Peptide Dimer: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Density Functional Theory Methods.

AIMS: The study aims to investigate the impact of curcumin on the structure of betaamyloid peptide dimers and how carbon nanotubes influence this interaction. The research focuses on understanding the molecular dynamics and structural changes induced by curcumin to reduce beta-amyloid toxicity. Curcumin, a phenolic compound, is known for its ability to prevent the aggregation of beta-amyloid peptides, which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its recognized inhibitory action on beta-amyloid aggregation, there is limited understanding of its precise effects on the peptide's structure. This study addresses this gap by employing molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory methods. To elucidate the structural effects of curcumin on beta-amyloid peptide dimers and assess the modifying role of carbon nanotubes using computational methods.

METHOD: The effect of curcumin on beta-amyloid peptide dimers was studied using molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory. The simulations were conducted both in the presence and absence of carbon nanotubes to assess their influence on curcumin's activity and the structural stability of the peptide.

RESULTS

The presence of curcumin and carbon nanotubes induced relative instability in betaamyloid dimers. Curcumin exhibited stronger interactions with the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of the peptide than with the middle section. It also reduced the toxicity of the peptide by particularly affecting the salt bridge and the arrangement of Phe19, Ile31, and Leu34 residues. Carbon nanotubes mitigated curcumin's effects on the peptide, altering curcumin's behavior by reducing its activity but increasing its solvation energy.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin plays a significant role in destabilizing beta-amyloid dimers and reducing their toxicity, with its effect being modulated by the presence of carbon nanotubes. This dual influence highlights the potential of using curcumin, alongside nanomaterials, in therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Other: The study provides valuable insights into the molecular interactions between curcumin, beta-amyloid peptides, and carbon nanotubes. These findings can contribute to the development of more effective treatments targeting amyloid-related toxicity in neurodegenerative conditions.