Photoactive Bismuth Vanadate Structure for Light‐Triggered Dissociation of Alzheimer's β‐Amyloid Aggregates

Abstract

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) is an attractive, low-cost n-type semiconductor that exhibits excellent photoelectrocatalytic properties, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. This study reports a newly discovered function of BiVO 4 dissociating highly stable, self-assembled amyloid aggregates associated with Alzheimer's disease. A visible light-active, nanoporous BiVO 4 platform is developed to break β-amyloid (Aβ) assemblies and alleviate Aβ aggregateinduced toxicity. Multiple photochemical and microscopic analyses reveal that β-sheet-rich, long Aβ fibrils are effectively destabilized and broken into small-sized, soluble species by BiVO 4 photoelectrode under illumination of a white light-emitting diode and an anodic bias. The photoactivated BiVO 4 under anodic bias generates oxidative stress, such as superoxide ions and hole-derived hydrogen peroxide, which causes photooxidation of Aβ residues and irreversible disassembly of Aβ aggregates. The efficacy of photoelectrocatalytic dissociation of Aβ aggregates is enhanced by Mo-doped BiVO 4 , which facilitates the separation of electron-hole pairs by improving electrontransport properties of BiVO 4 . Furthermore, it is verified that both pristine and Mo-doped BiVO 4 photoelectrodes are nontoxic and effective in reducing Aβ-associated cytotoxicity. The work shows the potential of BiVO 4 -based photoelectrode platforms for the dissociation of neurotoxic, highly stable Aβ assemblies using light energy.

Piezobiocatalysis: Ultrasound-Driven Enzymatic Oxyfunctionalization of C–H Bonds

“…• − scavenger 33 ) confirmed the pathway of H 2 O 2 production via O 2 reduction as reported (see Figure S4 in the Supporting Information). Note that H 2 O 2 remained stable under ultrasonic irradiation (40 kHz, 70 W) for 3 h (see Figure S5 in the Supporting Information).…”

Light‐Driven Micromotors to Dissociate Protein Aggregates That Cause Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…It is known that the light-triggered navigation of BiVO 4 micromotors is also responsible for the generation of ROS, such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals (Scheme 1). [30] Encouraged by these impressive results and together with previous findings on BiVO 4 regarding Alzheimer's β-amyloid aggregates, [54] an original biomedical application for microrobots was envisioned. In this sense, the unexplored field of neurodegenerative diseases in terms of protein aggregates was addressed by taking full advantage of the excellent oxidizing properties of these photocatalytic micromotors.…”

Microrobots in Brewery: Dual Magnetic/Light‐Powered Hybrid Microrobots for Preventing Microbial Contamination in Beer

“…Bismuth‐based microrobots present the advantage of a high biocompatibility . In particular, BiVO 4 is considered a non‐toxic material with a high stability in aqueous media . Herein, we demonstrate a proof‐of‐concept application of photocatalytic microrobots for the efficient removal of residual yeast cells from craft beers.…”

“…[11,17] In particular,B iVO 4 is considered an on-toxic material with ah igh stabilityi na queous media. [18] Herein, we demonstrate ap roof-of-concept application of photocatalytic microrobots for the efficient removal of residual yeast cells from craft beers. These microrobots consist of as tarshaped photoactive material( BiVO 4 )d ecorated with magnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 NPs), resulting in ah ybrid microrobot that can be remotely actuated by both, light and magnetic fields.…”