The chelation targeting metal–Aβ40 aggregates may lead to formation of Aβ40 oligomers

The fluorescent chelator (FC-1) was designed by combining a metal-chelating unit and a ThT-based Aβ aggregate-binding fluorescent unit. FC-1 is a cell membrane-penetrable chelator with a moderate chelation ability to Cu2+ and Zn2+ and can target metal–Aβ40 aggregates. Treatment with FC-1 led to enhanced cytotoxicity of the aggregates, because the aggregates were converted into a pool of oligomers.