A High-Affinity NIR Fluorescent Probe for Aβ Oligomers Enables Theranostics Through Disrupting Membrane Interaction and Aggregation

Amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers serve as pivotal biomarkers and therapeutic targets in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) due to their early emergence in pathogenesis and high level of neurotoxicity. In this work, we introduce a class of D–π–A amphiphilic fluorescent probes engineered for simultaneous detection and therapeutic modulation of Aβ oligomers. The lead compound, API-QB, exhibits a near-infrared (NIR) wavelength upon interaction with Aβ oligomers and demonstrates high selectivity and sensitivity toward Aβ oligomers in both solution and simulated brain environments. Importantly, API-QB is able to inhibit Aβ aggregation by interacting with oligomers. Furthermore, probe API-QB can reduce the toxicity of Aβ oligomers by inhibiting the interaction between oligomers and cell membranes and suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species generated by Aβ oligomers. Therefore, probe API-QB, which features NIR emission at 720 nm, a K d of 6.38 nM, and a 47-fold fluorescence enhancement upon binding to Aβ oligomers, represents an attractive multifunctional candidate for integrated diagnostic imaging and therapeutic intervention in AD.