Provided are pharmaceutical formulations that include an amyloid polypeptide including at least one D-amino acid, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided are kits that include the pharmaceutical formulations. Therapeutic methods that employ the pharmaceutical compositions are also provided, as are methods of forming racemic amyloid polypeptide aggregates involving the contacting of all-L amyloid polypeptide aggregates (e.g., oligomers) with amyloid polypeptides that include at least one D-amino acid. Methods for reducing solubility of an all-L amyloid polypeptide in a fluid, methods for characterizing an amyloid polypeptide of interest, and methods for removing an amyloid polypeptide from a bodily fluid, are also provided.
