Thioflavin-T doped silica nanoparticles by basic-catalyzed sol-gel synthesis

We developed a basic-catalyzed sol-gel procedure that allows to synthesize silica nanoparticles functionalized with Thioflavin-T (ThT). During the synthesis, the formation of the doped silica nanoparticles was monitored by absorbance spectra indicating that the catalyst does not cause the total hydroxylation of the dye. Fluorescence measurements carried out on the ThT doped silica nanoparticles proved the attachment of ThT on silica and Raman spectroscopy provided information about the dye structure.

Multiple aggregation mechanism in Abeta(1-40) fibril formation

A general characteristic of aggregation is the multiple interaction and cross-feedback among distinct mechanisms occurring at different hierarchical levels. The comprehension of the different species interconversion during aggregation is very important since emerging evidences indicate intermediate oligomeric aggregates as primary toxic species. In this context, Aβ amyloid peptide provides a challenging model for studying aggregation phenomena both for the complexity of its association process and for the direct implications in Alzheimer’s Disease. Indeed, aggregates growth conditions strongly affect their final morphology and their molecular structure as well as the time evolution of aggre…

Interconnected mechanisms in Abeta(1-40) peptide fibril formation