Detection of pre-plaque amyloid aggregation using FTIR

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by misfolding and aggregation of naturally occurring beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ). These aggregates are thought to be pathogenic to neurons, although the conformation of the pathogenic Aβ species remains unclear. Biochemical extraction methods and different microscopy techniques (TEM, confocal) can be used to identify pathogenic Aβ species in the brain, although such methods can alter protein conformation or are n ot designed to determine structural details of protein assemblies.