Molecular Insights on the Modulated Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Activity of Tacrine Adsorbed on Biocompatible Graphene Oxide

Abstract

AbstractGraphene oxide (GO) based nano‐formulation has gained much attention because of its carbonaceous composition with biologically benign properties. In this study, the interactions of GO with tacrine (TAC), an FDA approved Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug, are explored using various analytical tools and theoretical modeling techniques. Furthermore, the modulatory effect of these nano‐conjugates toward the in‐vitro catalytic activity of the neurodegenerative enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is also quantified. The maximal rate for enzyme inhibition in presence of the nanoconjugate decreases up to an extent of 16 and 34 % in comparison with TAC and GO, respectively. Interestingly, these results are in sharp contrast to the increased AChE activity on adsorption into spherical gold and silver nanoparticles. The current findings demonstrate the synergistic use of TAC−GO hybrid material with augmented AChE inhibition efficacy towards the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additionally, GO presents a sustainable alternative for biomedical applications to inorganic equivalents.