1
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Diaferia C, Gallo E, Cimmino L, Laurenzi V, De Marco A, Morelli G, Stornaiuolo M, Accardo A. Fluorescence of Aggregated Aromatic Peptides for Studying the Kinetics of Aggregation and Hardening of Amyloid-like Structures. Chemistry 2024:e202401998. [PMID: 38962903 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The capability of amyloid-like peptide fibers to emit intrinsic-fluorescence enables the study of their formation, stability and hardening through time-resolved fluorescence analysis, without the need for additional intercalating dyes. This approach allows the monitoring of amyloid-like peptides aggregation kinetics using minimal sample volumes, and the simultaneous testing of numerous experimental conditions and analytes, offering rapid and reproducible results. The analytical procedure applied to the aromatic hexapeptide F6, alone or derivatized with PEG (polyethylene glycol) moiety of different lengths, suggests that aggregation into large anisotropic structures negatively correlates with initial monomer concentration and relies on the presence of charged N- and C-termini. PEGylation reduces the extent of aggregates hardening, possibly by retaining water, and overall impacts the final structural properties of the aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Gallo
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
| | - Luca Cimmino
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
| | - Valentina Laurenzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Agostino De Marco
- Department of Industrial Engineering - Aerospace Division, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Claudio 21, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
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2
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Monti A, Scognamiglio PL, Ruvo M, Vitagliano L, Doti N. The Characterization of Multifaceted PREP1 Peptides Provides Insights into Correlations between Spectroscopic and Structural Properties of Amyloid-like Assemblies. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400846. [PMID: 38682403 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The widespread ability of proteins and peptides to self-assemble by forming cross-β structure is one of the most significant discoveries in structural biology. Intriguingly, the cross-β association of proteins/peptides may generate intricate supramolecular architectures with uncommon spectroscopic properties. We have recently characterized self-assembled peptides extracted from the PREP1 protein that are endowed with interesting structural/spectroscopic properties. We here demonstrate that the green fluorescence emission of the peptide PREP1[117-132] (λem ~520 nm), can be induced by excitation with UV radiation. The associated unusually large Stokes shift (Δλ ~150 nm) represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence of an internal resonance energy transfer in amyloid-like structures, where the blue emission of some assemblies becomes the excitation radiation for others. Moreover, the characterization of PREP1[117-132] variants provides insights into the sequence/structure and structure/spectroscopic properties relationships. Our data suggests that the green fluorescence is plausibly associated with antiparallel β-sheet states of the peptide whereas parallel β-sheet assemblies are only endowed with blue fluorescence. Notably, the different PREP1[117-132] variants also form assemblies characterized by distinct morphologies. Indeed, the parent peptide and single mutants form compact but structured aggregates whereas most of the double mutants exhibit elongated and highly extended fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Liana Scognamiglio
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Macchia Romana Campus 10, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy
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3
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Balasco N, Altamura D, Scognamiglio PL, Sibillano T, Giannini C, Morelli G, Vitagliano L, Accardo A, Diaferia C. Self-Assembled Materials Based on Fully Aromatic Peptides: The Impact of Tryptophan, Tyrosine, and Dopa Residues. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:1470-1486. [PMID: 38174846 PMCID: PMC10795196 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Peptides are able to self-organize in structural elements including cross-β structures. Taking advantage of this tendency, in the last decades, peptides have been scrutinized as molecular elements for the development of multivalent supramolecular architectures. In this context, different classes of peptides, also with completely aromatic sequences, were proposed. Our previous studies highlighted that the (FY)3 peptide, which alternates hydrophobic phenylalanine and more hydrophilic tyrosine residues, is able to self-assemble, thanks to the formation of both polar and apolar interfaces. It was observed that the replacement of Phe and Tyr residues with other noncoded aromatic amino acids like 2-naphthylalanine (Nal) and Dopa affects the interactions among peptides with consequences on the supramolecular organization. Herein, we have investigated the self-assembling behavior of two novel (FY)3 analogues with Trp and Dopa residues in place of the Phe and Tyr ones, respectively. Additionally, PEGylation of the N-terminus was analyzed too. The supramolecular organization, morphology, and capability to gel were evaluated using complementary techniques, including fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Structural periodicities along and perpendicular to the fiber axis were detected by grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering. Finally, molecular dynamics studies provided interesting insights into the atomic structure of the cross-β that constitutes the basic motif of the assemblies formed by these novel peptide systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Balasco
- Institute
of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Davide Altamura
- Institute
of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, Bari 70126, Italy
| | | | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute
of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, Bari 70126, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute
of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, Bari 70126, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department
of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides “Carlo
Pedone”, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute
of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Castellino 111, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department
of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides “Carlo
Pedone”, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department
of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides “Carlo
Pedone”, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
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4
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Balasco N, Diaferia C, Rosa E, Monti A, Ruvo M, Doti N, Vitagliano L. A Comprehensive Analysis of the Intrinsic Visible Fluorescence Emitted by Peptide/Protein Amyloid-like Assemblies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8372. [PMID: 37176084 PMCID: PMC10178990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid aggregation is a widespread process that involves proteins and peptides with different molecular complexity and amino acid composition. The structural motif (cross-β) underlying this supramolecular organization generates aggregates endowed with special mechanical and spectroscopic properties with huge implications in biomedical and technological fields, including emerging precision medicine. The puzzling ability of these assemblies to emit intrinsic and label-free fluorescence in regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible and even infrared, usually considered to be forbidden in the polypeptide chain, has attracted interest for its many implications in both basic and applied science. Despite the interest in this phenomenon, the physical basis of its origin is still poorly understood. To gain a global view of the available information on this phenomenon, we here provide an exhaustive survey of the current literature in which original data on this fluorescence have been reported. The emitting systems have been classified in terms of their molecular complexity, amino acid composition, and physical state. Information about the wavelength of the radiation used for the excitation as well as the emission range/peak has also been retrieved. The data collected here provide a picture of the complexity of this multifaceted phenomenon that could be helpful for future studies aimed at defining its structural and electronic basis and/or stimulating new applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Department of Chemistry, University of Rome Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides “Carlo Pedone”, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides “Carlo Pedone”, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.)
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy; (A.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy; (A.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy; (A.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy; (A.M.); (M.R.)
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5
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Rosa E, Gallo E, Sibillano T, Giannini C, Rizzuti S, Gianolio E, Scognamiglio PL, Morelli G, Accardo A, Diaferia C. Incorporation of PEG Diacrylates (PEGDA) Generates Hybrid Fmoc-FF Hydrogel Matrices. Gels 2022; 8:gels8120831. [PMID: 36547355 PMCID: PMC9778368 DOI: 10.3390/gels8120831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Generated by a hierarchical and multiscale self-assembling phenomenon, peptide-based hydrogels (HGs) are soft materials useful for a variety of applications. Short and ultra-short peptides are intriguing building blocks for hydrogel fabrication. These matrices can also be obtained by mixing low-molecular-weight peptides with other chemical entities (e.g., polymers, other peptides). The combination of two or more constituents opens the door to the development of hybrid systems with tunable mechanical properties and unexpected biofunctionalities or morphologies. For this scope, the formulation, the multiscale analysis, and the supramolecular characterization of novel hybrid peptide-polymer hydrogels are herein described. The proposed matrices contain the Fmoc-FF (Nα-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl diphenylalanine) hydrogelator at a concentration of 0.5 wt% (5.0 mg/mL) and a diacrylate α-/ω-substituted polyethylene-glycol derivative (PEGDA). Two PEGDA derivatives, PEGDA 1 and PEGDA2 (mean molecular weights of 575 and 250 Da, respectively), are mixed with Fmoc-FF at different ratios (Fmoc-FF/PEGDA at 1/1, 1/2, 1/5, 1/10 mol/mol). All the multicomponent hybrid peptide-polymer hydrogels are scrutinized with a large panel of analytical techniques (including proton relaxometry, FTIR, WAXS, rheometry, and scanning electronic microscopy). The matrices were found to be able to generate mechanical responses in the 2-8 kPa range, producing a panel of tunable materials with the same chemical composition. The release of a model drug (Naphthol Yellow S) is reported too. The tunable features, the different topologies, and the versatility of the proposed materials open the door to the development of tools for different applicative areas, including diagnostics, liquid biopsies and responsive materials. The incorporation of a diacrylate function also suggests the possible development of interpenetrating networks upon cross-linking reactions. All the collected data allow a mutual comparison between the different matrices, thus confirming the significance of the hybrid peptide/polymer-based methodology as a strategy for the design of innovative materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Gallo
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Serena Rizzuti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Science, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Eliana Gianolio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Science, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0812-534-526
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6
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Pérez-Madrigal MM, Gil AM, Casanovas J, Jiménez AI, Macor LP, Alemán C. Self-assembly pathways in a triphenylalanine peptide capped with aromatic groups. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 216:112522. [PMID: 35561635 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Peptide derivatives and, most specifically, their self-assembled supramolecular structures are being considered in the design of novel biofunctional materials. Although the self-assembly of triphenylalanine homopeptides has been found to be more versatile than that of homopeptides containing an even number of residues (i.e. diphenylalanine and tetraphenylalanine), only uncapped triphenylalanine (FFF) and a highly aromatic analog blocked at both the N- and C-termini with fluorenyl-containing groups (Fmoc-FFF-OFm), have been deeply studied before. In this work, we have examined the self-assembly of a triphenylalanine derivative bearing 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl and benzyl ester end-capping groups at the N- and C-termini, respectively (Fmoc-FFF-OBzl). The antiparallel arrangement clearly dominates in β-sheets formed by Fmoc-FFF-OBzl, whereas the parallel and antiparallel dispositions are almost isoenergetic in Fmoc-FFF-OFm β-sheets and the parallel one is slightly favored for FFF. The effects of both the peptide concentration and the medium on the self-assembly process have been examined considering Fmoc-FFF-OBzl solutions in a wide variety of solvent:co-solvent mixtures. In addition, Fmoc-FFF-OBzl supramolecular structures have been compared to those obtained for FFF and Fmoc-FFF-OFm under identical experimental conditions. The strength of π-π stacking interactions involving the end-capping groups plays a crucial role in the nucleation and growth of supramolecular structures, which determines the resulting morphology. Finally, the influence of a non-invasive external stimulus, ultrasounds, on the nucleation and growth of supramolecular structures has been examined. Overall, FFF-based peptides provide a wide range of supramolecular structures that can be of interest in the biotechnological field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Pérez-Madrigal
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química (DEQ) and Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), EEBE, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, 08019 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ana M Gil
- Departamento de Quimica Organica, Instituto de Sintesis Quimica y Catalisis Homogenea (ISQCH), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jordi Casanovas
- Departament de Química, Universitat de Lleida, Escola Politècnica Superior, C/ Jaume II no. 69, 25001 Lleida, Spain
| | - Ana I Jiménez
- Departamento de Quimica Organica, Instituto de Sintesis Quimica y Catalisis Homogenea (ISQCH), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Lorena P Macor
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química (DEQ) and Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), EEBE, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, 08019 Barcelona, Spain; IITEMA-CONICET, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Agencia Postal Nro. 3, X5804BYA Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carlos Alemán
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química (DEQ) and Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), EEBE, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, 08019 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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7
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Schiattarella C, Diaferia C, Gallo E, Della Ventura B, Morelli G, Vitagliano L, Velotta R, Accardo A. Solid-state optical properties of self-assembling amyloid-like peptides with different charged states at the terminal ends. Sci Rep 2022; 12:759. [PMID: 35031624 PMCID: PMC8760239 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-assembling of small peptides not only leads to the formation of intriguing nanoarchitectures, but also generates materials with unexpected functional properties. Oligopeptides can form amyloid-like cross-β assemblies that are able to emit intrinsic photoluminescence (PL), over the whole near-UV/visible range, whose origin is still largely debated. As proton transfer between the peptide chain termini within the assembly is one of the invoked interpretations of this phenomenon, we here evaluated the solid state PL properties of a series of self-assembled hexaphenylalanine peptides characterized by a different terminal charge state. Overall, our data indicate that the charge state of these peptides has a marginal role in the PL emission as all systems exhibit very similar multicolour PL associated with a violation of the Kasha’s rule. On the other hand, charged/uncharged ends occasionally produce differences in the quantum yields. The generality of these observations has been proven by extending these analyses to the Aβ16–21 peptide. Collectively, the present findings provide useful information for deciphering the code that links the spectroscopic properties of these assemblies to their structural/electronic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Schiattarella
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Gallo
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Bartolomeo Della Ventura
- Department of Physics "Ettore Pancini", University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 26, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Velotta
- Department of Physics "Ettore Pancini", University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 26, 80125, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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8
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Diaferia C, Schiattarella C, Gallo E, Della Ventura B, Morelli G, Velotta R, Vitagliano L, Accardo A. Fluorescence Emission of Self-assembling Amyloid-like Peptides: Solution versus Solid State. Chemphyschem 2021; 22:2215-2221. [PMID: 34496136 PMCID: PMC8597038 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of the intrinsic UV-visible fluorescence exhibited by self-assembling amyloid-like peptides in solution and in solid the state highlights that their physical state has a profound impact on the optical properties. In the solid state, a linear dependence of the fluorescence emission peaks as a function of excitation wavelength is detected. On the contrary, an excitation-independent emission is observed in solution. The present findings constitute a valuable benchmark for current and future explanations of the fluorescence emission by amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy andResearch Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
| | - Chiara Schiattarella
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, CNRVia P. Castellino 111Naples80131Italy
| | | | - Bartolomeo Della Ventura
- Department of Physics “Ettore Pancini”University of Naples “Federico II”Via Cintia 26Naples80125Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy andResearch Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
| | - Raffaele Velotta
- Department of Physics “Ettore Pancini”University of Naples “Federico II”Via Cintia 26Naples80125Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNRVia Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy andResearch Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
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9
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Diaferia C, Rosa E, Balasco N, Sibillano T, Morelli G, Giannini C, Vitagliano L, Accardo A. The Introduction of a Cysteine Residue Modulates The Mechanical Properties of Aromatic-Based Solid Aggregates and Self-Supporting Hydrogels. Chemistry 2021; 27:14886-14898. [PMID: 34498321 PMCID: PMC8596998 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Peptide-based hydrogels, originated by multiscale self-assembling phenomenon, have been proposed as multivalent tools in different technological areas. Structural studies and molecular dynamics simulations pointed out the capability of completely aromatic peptides to gelificate if hydrophilic and hydrophobic forces are opportunely balanced. Here, the effect produced by the introduction of a Cys residue in the heteroaromatic sequence of (FY)3 and in its PEGylated variant was evaluated. The physicochemical characterization indicates that both FYFCFYF and PEG8-FYFCFYF are able to self-assemble in supramolecular nanostructures whose basic cross-β motif resembles the one detected in the ancestor (FY)3 assemblies. However, gelification occurs only for FYFCFYF at a concentration of 1.5 wt%. After cross-linking of cysteine residues, the hydrogel undergoes to an improvement of the rigidity compared to the parent (FY)3 assemblies as suggested by the storage modulus (G') that increases from 970 to 3360 Pa. The mechanical properties of FYFCFYF are compatible with its potential application in bone tissue regeneration. Moreover, the avalaibility of a Cys residue in the middle of the peptide sequence could allow the hydrogel derivatization with targeting moieties or with biologically relevant molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
| | - Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNRVia Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNRVia Amendola 12270126BariItaly
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNRVia Amendola 12270126BariItaly
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNRVia Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
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10
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Diaferia C, Avitabile C, Leone M, Gallo E, Saviano M, Accardo A, Romanelli A. Diphenylalanine Motif Drives Self-Assembling in Hybrid PNA-Peptide Conjugates. Chemistry 2021; 27:14307-14316. [PMID: 34314536 PMCID: PMC8597081 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Peptides and nucleic acids can self-assemble to give supramolecular structures that find application in different fields, ranging from the delivery of drugs to the obtainment of materials endowed with optical properties. Forces that stabilize the "suprastructures" typically are hydrogen bonds or aromatic interactions; in case of nucleic acids, Watson-Crick pairing drives self-assembly while, in case of peptides, backbone hydrogen bonds and interactions between aromatic side chains trigger the formation of structures, such as nanotubes or ribbons. Molecules containing both aromatic peptides and nucleic acids could in principle exploit different forces to self-assemble. In this work we meant to investigate the self-assembly of mixed systems, with the aim to understand which forces play a major role and determine formation/structure of aggregates. We therefore synthesized conjugates of the peptide FF to the peptide nucleic acid dimer "gc" and characterized their aggregates by different spectroscopic techniques, including NMR, CD and fluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of PharmacyResearch Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | | | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR)Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | | | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography (CNR)Via Amendola 12270126BariItaly
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of PharmacyResearch Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II”Via Mezzocannone 1680134NaplesItaly
| | - Alessandra Romanelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of MilanVia Venezian 2120133MilanItaly
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11
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Amplified spontaneous emission and gain in highly concentrated Rhodamine-doped peptide derivative. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17609. [PMID: 34475484 PMCID: PMC8413385 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96982-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinspired fluorescence, being widely explored for imaging purposes, faces challenges in delivering bright biocompatible sources. While quite a few techniques have been developed to reach this goal, encapsulation of high-quantum yield fluorescent dyes in natural biological forms suggest achieving superior light-emitting characteristics, approaching amplified spontaneous emission and even lasing. Here we compare gain capabilities of highly concentrated Rhodamine B solutions with a newly synthesized biocompatible peptide derivative hybrid polymer/peptide material, RhoB-PEG1300-F6, which contains the fluorescent covalently bound dye. While concentration quenching effects limit the maximal achievable gain of dissolved Rhodamine B, biocompatible conjugation allows elevating amplification coefficients towards moderately high values. In particular, Rhodamine B, anchored to the peptide derivative material, demonstrates gain of 22–23 cm−1 for a 10−2 M solution, while a pure dye solution possesses 25% smaller values at the same concentration. New biocompatible fluorescent agents pave ways to demonstrate lasing in living organisms and can be further introduced to therapeutic applications, if proper solvents are found.
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12
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Diaferia C, Rosa E, Gallo E, Smaldone G, Stornaiuolo M, Morelli G, Accardo A. Self-Supporting Hydrogels Based on Fmoc-Derivatized Cationic Hexapeptides for Potential Biomedical Applications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060678. [PMID: 34203919 PMCID: PMC8232644 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based hydrogels (PHGs) are biocompatible materials suitable for biological, biomedical, and biotechnological applications, such as drug delivery and diagnostic tools for imaging. Recently, a novel class of synthetic hydrogel-forming amphiphilic cationic peptides (referred to as series K), containing an aliphatic region and a Lys residue, was proposed as a scaffold for bioprinting applications. Here, we report the synthesis of six analogues of the series K, in which the acetyl group at the N-terminus is replaced by aromatic portions, such as the Fmoc protecting group or the Fmoc-FF hydrogelator. The tendency of all peptides to self-assemble and to gel in aqueous solution was investigated using a set of biophysical techniques. The structural characterization pointed out that only the Fmoc-derivatives of series K keep their capability to gel. Among them, Fmoc-K3 hydrogel, which is the more rigid one (G’ = 2526 Pa), acts as potential material for tissue engineering, fully supporting cell adhesion, survival, and duplication. These results describe a gelification process, allowed only by the correct balancing among aggregation forces within the peptide sequences (e.g., van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, and π–π stacking).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (M.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (M.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Enrico Gallo
- IRCCS SDN, Via Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (E.G.); (G.S.)
| | | | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (M.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (M.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy and Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Naples, Italy; (C.D.); (E.R.); (M.S.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-2532045
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13
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Balasco N, Diaferia C, Morelli G, Vitagliano L, Accardo A. Amyloid-Like Aggregation in Diseases and Biomaterials: Osmosis of Structural Information. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:641372. [PMID: 33748087 PMCID: PMC7966729 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.641372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery that the polypeptide chain has a remarkable and intrinsic propensity to form amyloid-like aggregates endowed with an extraordinary stability is one of the most relevant breakthroughs of the last decades in both protein/peptide chemistry and structural biology. This observation has fundamental implications, as the formation of these assemblies is systematically associated with the insurgence of severe neurodegenerative diseases. Although the ability of proteins to form aggregates rich in cross-β structure has been highlighted by recent studies of structural biology, the determination of the underlying atomic models has required immense efforts and inventiveness. Interestingly, the progressive molecular and structural characterization of these assemblies has opened new perspectives in apparently unrelated fields. Indeed, the self-assembling through the cross-β structure has been exploited to generate innovative biomaterials endowed with promising mechanical and spectroscopic properties. Therefore, this structural motif has become the fil rouge connecting these diversified research areas. In the present review, we report a chronological recapitulation, also performing a survey of the structural content of the Protein Data Bank, of the milestones achieved over the years in the characterization of cross-β assemblies involved in the insurgence of neurodegenerative diseases. A particular emphasis is given to the very recent successful elucidation of amyloid-like aggregates characterized by remarkable molecular and structural complexities. We also review the state of the art of the structural characterization of cross-β based biomaterials by highlighting the benefits of the osmosis of information between these two research areas. Finally, we underline the new promising perspectives that recent successful characterizations of disease-related amyloid-like assemblies can open in the biomaterial field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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14
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Fabrication of fluorescent nanospheres by heating PEGylated tetratyrosine nanofibers. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2470. [PMID: 33510221 PMCID: PMC7844296 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79396-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatic polypeptides have recently drawn the interest of the research community for their capability to self-assemble into a variety of functional nanostructures. Due to their interesting mechanical, electrical and optical properties, these nanostructures have been proposed as innovative materials in different biomedical, biotechnological and industrial fields. Recently, several efforts have been employed in the development of these innovative materials as nanoscale fluorescence (FL) imaging probes. In this context, we describe the synthesis and the functional properties of a novel fluorescent tyrosine (Tyr, Y)-based nanospheres, obtained by heating at 200 °C a solution of the PEGylated tetra-peptide PEG6-Y4. At room temperature, this peptide self-assembles into not fluorescent low ordered water-soluble fibrillary aggregates. After heating, the aggregation of different polyphenolic species generates Y4-based nanospheres able to emit FL into blue, green and red spectral regions, both in solution and at the solid state. The aggregation features of PEG6-Y4 before and after heating were studied using a set of complementary techniques (Fluorescence, CD, FT-IR, Small and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering and SEM). After a deep investigation of their optoelectronic properties, these nanospheres could be exploited as promising tools for precise biomedicine in advanced nanomedical technologies (local bioimaging, light diagnostics, therapy, optogenetics and health monitoring).
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15
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Romero-Montero A, Aguirre-Díaz IS, Puiggalí J, del Valle LJ, Gimeno M. Self-assembly of supramolecular chemoenzymatic poly- l-phenylalanine. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py01659d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The self-assembly behavior of chemoenzymatic high molecular weight (ca. 30 000 Da) poly-l-phenylalanine (ePLP) and the nano-morphologies thereof are investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Romero-Montero
- Depto. de Alimentos y Biotecnología
- Facultad de Química
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- 04510 CDMX
- Mexico
| | - Isabel S. Aguirre-Díaz
- Depto. de Alimentos y Biotecnología
- Facultad de Química
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- 04510 CDMX
- Mexico
| | - Jordi Puiggalí
- Chemical Engineering Department
- Escola d'Enginyeria de Barcelona Est-EEBE
- 08019 Barcelona
- Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)
| | - Luis J. del Valle
- Chemical Engineering Department
- Escola d'Enginyeria de Barcelona Est-EEBE
- 08019 Barcelona
- Spain
| | - Miquel Gimeno
- Depto. de Alimentos y Biotecnología
- Facultad de Química
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- 04510 CDMX
- Mexico
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16
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Abstract
Nanoscale optical labeling is an advanced bioimaging tool. It is mostly based on fluorescence (FL) phenomena and enables the visualization of single biocells, bacteria, viruses, and biological tissues, providing monitoring of functional biosystems in vitro and in vivo, and the imaging-guided transportation of drug molecules. There is a variety of FL biolabels such as organic molecular dyes, genetically encoded fluorescent proteins (green fluorescent protein and homologs), semiconductor quantum dots, carbon dots, plasmonic metal gold-based nanostructures and more. In this review, a new generation of FL biolabels based on the recently found biophotonic effects of visible FL are described. This intrinsic FL phenomenon is observed in any peptide/protein materials folded into β-sheet secondary structures, irrespective of their composition, complexity, and origin. The FL effect has been observed both in natural amyloid fibrils, associated with neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more), and diverse synthetic peptide/protein structures subjected to thermally induced biological refolding helix-like→β-sheet. This approach allowed us to develop a new generation of FL peptide/protein bionanodots radiating multicolor, tunable, visible FL, covering the entire visible spectrum in the range of 400–700 nm. Newly developed biocompatible nanoscale biomarkers are considered as a promising tool for emerging precise biomedicine and advanced medical nanotechnologies (high-resolution bioimaging, light diagnostics, therapy, optogenetics, and health monitoring).
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17
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Lee H. Molecular Simulations of PEGylated Biomolecules, Liposomes, and Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E533. [PMID: 32531886 PMCID: PMC7355693 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated protein was approved by the FDA in 1990, PEGylation has been successfully applied to develop drug delivery systems through experiments, but these experimental results are not always easy to interpret at the atomic level because of the limited resolution of experimental techniques. To determine the optimal size, structure, and density of PEG for drug delivery, the structure and dynamics of PEGylated drug carriers need to be understood close to the atomic scale, as can be done using molecular dynamics simulations, assuming that these simulations can be validated by successful comparisons to experiments. Starting with the development of all-atom and coarse-grained PEG models in 1990s, PEGylated drug carriers have been widely simulated. In particular, recent advances in computer performance and simulation methodologies have allowed for molecular simulations of large complexes of PEGylated drug carriers interacting with other molecules such as anticancer drugs, plasma proteins, membranes, and receptors, which makes it possible to interpret experimental observations at a nearly atomistic resolution, as well as help in the rational design of drug delivery systems for applications in nanomedicine. Here, simulation studies on the following PEGylated drug topics will be reviewed: proteins and peptides, liposomes, and nanoparticles such as dendrimers and carbon nanotubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwankyu Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Korea
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18
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Abstract
Natural fibrillar-like macromolecules find applications in several fields, thanks to their peculiar features, and are considered perfect building blocks for natural and artificial functional materials. Indeed, fibrous proteins (such as collagen or fibroin) are commonly used in scaffold fabrication for biomedical applications, due to the high biophysical similarity with the extracellular matrix (ECM) which stimulates tissue regeneration. In the textile industry, cellulose-based fabrics are widely used in place of cotton and viscose, which both have sustainability issues related to their fabrication. With this in mind, the structural characterization of the materials at molecular scale plays a fundamental role in gaining insight into the fiber assembly process. In this work, we report on three fibers of research interest (i.e., type I collagen, silk fibroin extracted from Bombyx mori, and cellulose) to show the power of wide-angle X-ray scattering to characterize both intra- and intermolecular parameters of fibrous polymers. The latest possibilities offered in the X-ray scattering field allow one to study fibers at solid state or dispersed in solutions as well as to perform quantitative scanning X-ray microscopy of tissues entirely or partially made by fibers.
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19
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Avitabile C, Diaferia C, Roviello V, Altamura D, Giannini C, Vitagliano L, Accardo A, Romanelli A. Fluorescence and Morphology of Self-Assembled Nucleobases and Their Diphenylalanine Hybrid Aggregates. Chemistry 2019; 25:14850-14857. [PMID: 31566814 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201902709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies carried out in recent decades have revealed that the ability to self-assemble is a widespread property among biomolecules. Small nucleic acid moieties or very short peptides are able to generate intricate assemblies endowed with remarkable structural and spectroscopic properties. Herein, the structural/spectroscopic characterization of aggregates formed by nucleobases and peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-peptide conjugates are reported. At high concentration, all studied nucleobases form aggregates characterized by previously unreported fluorescence properties. The conjugation of these bases, as PNA derivatives, to the dipeptide Phe-Phe leads to the formation of novel hybrid assemblies, which are characterized by an amyloid-like association of the monomers. Although these compounds share the same basic cross-β motif, the nature and number of PNA units have an important impact on both the level of structural order and the intrinsic fluorescence of the self-assembled nanostructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Avitabile
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Advanced Metrologic Service Center (CeSMA), University of Naples "Federico II", Corso N. Protopisani, 80146, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Altamura
- Institute of Crystallography (CNR), via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (CNR), via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romanelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
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20
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Diaferia C, Roviello V, Morelli G, Accardo A. Self‐Assembly of PEGylated Diphenylalanines into Photoluminescent Fibrillary Aggregates. Chemphyschem 2019; 20:2774-2782. [DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201900884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II” Via Mezzocannone 16 80134- Naples Italy
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, DICMaPIUniversity of Naples “Federico II” Piazzale Tecchio 80 80125 Naples Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II” Via Mezzocannone 16 80134- Naples Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB)University of Naples “Federico II” Via Mezzocannone 16 80134- Naples Italy
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21
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Apter B, Lapshina N, Handelman A, Rosenman G. Light waveguiding in bioinspired peptide nanostructures. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3164. [PMID: 30900328 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Basic optical properties of bioinspired peptide nanostructures are deeply modified by thermally mediated refolding of peptide secondary structure from α-helical to β-sheet. This conformational transition is followed by the appearance in the β-sheet structures of a wideband optical absorption and fluorescence in the visible region. We demonstrate that a new biophotonic effect of optical waveguiding recently observed in peptide/protein nanoensembles is a structure-sensitive bimodal phenomenon. In the primary α-helical structure input, light propagates via optical transmission window demonstrating conventional passive waveguiding, based on classical optics. In the β-sheet structure, fluorescent (active) light waveguiding is revealed. The latter can be attributed to completely different physical mechanism of exciton-polariton propagation, characterized by high effective refractive index, and can be observed in nanoscale fibers below diffraction limit. It has been shown that peptide material requirements for passive and active waveguiding are dissimilar. Original biocompatibility and biodegradability indicate high potential future applications of these bioinspired waveguiding materials in precise photobiomedicine towards advanced highly selective bioimaging, photon diagnostics, and optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Apter
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
| | - Nadezda Lapshina
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Handelman
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
| | - Gil Rosenman
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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22
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Tesauro D, Accardo A, Diaferia C, Milano V, Guillon J, Ronga L, Rossi F. Peptide-Based Drug-Delivery Systems in Biotechnological Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives. Molecules 2019; 24:E351. [PMID: 30669445 PMCID: PMC6359574 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24020351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides of natural and synthetic sources are compounds operating in a wide range of biological interactions. They play a key role in biotechnological applications as both therapeutic and diagnostic tools. They are easily synthesized thanks to solid-phase peptide devices where the amino acid sequence can be exactly selected at molecular levels, by tuning the basic units. Recently, peptides achieved resounding success in drug delivery and in nanomedicine smart applications. These applications are the most significant challenge of recent decades: they can selectively deliver drugs to only pathological tissues whilst saving the other districts of the body. This specific feature allows a reduction in the drug side effects and increases the drug efficacy. In this context, peptide-based aggregates present many advantages, including biocompatibility, high drug loading capacities, chemical diversity, specific targeting, and stimuli responsive drug delivery. A dual behavior is observed: on the one hand they can fulfill a structural and bioactive role. In this review, we focus on the design and the characterization of drug delivery systems using peptide-based carriers; moreover, we will also highlight the peptide ability to self-assemble and to actively address nanosystems toward specific targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Tesauro
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Università Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Università Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Università Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Vittoria Milano
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Università Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy.
- ARNA, INSERM U1212/UMR CNRS 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Jean Guillon
- ARNA, INSERM U1212/UMR CNRS 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Luisa Ronga
- Institute of Analytical Sciences, IPREM, UMR 5254, CNRS-University of Pau, 64000 Pau, France.
| | - Filomena Rossi
- Department of Pharmacy and CIRPeB, Università Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy.
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23
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Diaferia C, Balasco N, Altamura D, Sibillano T, Gallo E, Roviello V, Giannini C, Morelli G, Vitagliano L, Accardo A. Assembly modes of hexaphenylalanine variants as function of the charge states of their terminal ends. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:8219-8230. [PMID: 30265271 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01441h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The ability of peptides to self-assemble represents a valuable tool for the development of biomaterials of biotechnological and/or biomedical interest. Diphenylalanine homodimer (FF) and its analogues are among the most promising systems in this field. The longest Phe-based building block hitherto characterized is pentaphenylalanine (F5). We studied the aggregation propensity and the structural/morphological features of assemblies of zwitterionic hexaphenylalanine H+-F6-O- and of three variants characterized by different charged states of the terminal ends (Ac-F6-Amide, H+-F6-Amide and Ac-F6-O-). As previously observed for PEGylated hexaphenylalanine (PEG8-F6), all F6 variants show a strong tendency to form β-rich assemblies in which the structural motif is constituted by antiparallel β-strands in the cross-β framework. Extensive replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations carried out on a pairs of F6 peptides indicate that the antiparallel β-structure of the final assemblies is likely dictated by the preferred association modes of the individual chains in the very early stages of the aggregation process. Our data suggest that even very small F6 peptides are properly pre-organized and prone to the build-up of the final assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
| | - Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Altamura
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Enrico Gallo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Analytical Chemistry for the Environment and CeSMA (Advanced Metrologic Service Center), University of Naples "Federico II", Corso Nicolangelo Protopisani, 80146, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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24
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Apter B, Lapshina N, Handelman A, Fainberg BD, Rosenman G. Peptide Nanophotonics: From Optical Waveguiding to Precise Medicine and Multifunctional Biochips. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1801147. [PMID: 30027685 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201801147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Optical waveguiding phenomena found in bioinspired chemically synthesized peptide nanostructures are a new paradigm which can revolutionize emerging fields of precise medicine and health monitoring. A unique combination of their intrinsic biocompatibility with remarkable multifunctional optical properties and developed nanotechnology of large peptide wafers makes them highly promising for new biomedical light therapy tools and implantable optical biochips. This Review highlights a new field of peptide nanophotonics. It covers peptide nanotechnology and the fabrication process of peptide integrated optical circuits, basic studies of linear and nonlinear optical phenomena in biological and bioinspired nanostructures, and their passive and active optical waveguiding. It is shown that the optical properties of this generation of bio-optical materials are governed by fundamental biological processes. Refolding the peptide secondary structure is followed by wideband optical absorption and visible tunable fluorescence. In peptide optical waveguides, such a bio-optical effect leads to switching from passive waveguiding mode in native α-helical phase to an active one in the β-sheet phase. The found active waveguiding effect in β-sheet fiber structures below optical diffraction limit opens an avenue for the future development of new bionanophotonics in ultrathin peptide/protein fibrillar structures toward advanced biomedical nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Apter
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, 5810201, Israel
| | - Nadezda Lapshina
- School of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Amir Handelman
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, 5810201, Israel
| | - Boris D Fainberg
- Faculty of Science, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, 5810201, Israel
- School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Gil Rosenman
- School of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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Diaferia C, Balasco N, Sibillano T, Ghosh M, Adler-Abramovich L, Giannini C, Vitagliano L, Morelli G, Accardo A. Amyloid-Like Fibrillary Morphology Originated by Tyrosine-Containing Aromatic Hexapeptides. Chemistry 2018; 24:6804-6817. [PMID: 29504716 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201800351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Phenylalanine-based nanostructures have attracted the attention of the material science community for their functional properties. These properties strongly depend on the hierarchic organization of the nanostructure that in turn can be finely tuned by punctual chemical modifications of the building blocks. Herein, we investigate how the partial or the complete replacement of the Phe residues in PEG8 -(Phe)6 (PEG8 -F6) with tyrosines to generate PEG8 -(Phe-Tyr)3 (PEG8 -(FY)3) or PEG8 -(Tyr)6 (PEG8 -Y6) affects the structural/functional properties of the nanomaterial formed by the parental compound. Moreover, the effect of the PEG derivatization was evaluated through the characterization of the peptides without the PEG moiety (Tyr)6 (Y6) and (Phe-Tyr)3 ((FY)3). Both PEG8 -Y6 and PEG8 -(FY)3 can self-assemble in water at micromolar concentrations in β-sheet-rich nanostructures. However, WAXS diffraction patterns of these compounds present significant differences. PEG8 -(FY)3 shows a 2D WAXS oriented fiber diffraction profile characterized by the concomitant presence of a 4.7 Å meridional and a 12.5 Å equatorial reflection that are generally associated with cross-β structure. On the other hand, the pattern of PEG8 -Y6 is characterized by the presence of circles typically observed in the presence of PEG crystallization. Molecular modeling and dynamics provide an atomic structural model of the peptide spine of these compounds that is in good agreement with WAXS experimental data. Gelation phenomenon was only detected for PEG8 -(FY)3 above a concentration of 1.0 wt % as confirmed by storage (G'≈100 Pa) and loss (G''≈28 Pa) moduli in rheological studies. The cell viability on CHO cells of this soft hydrogel was certified to be 90 % after 24 hours of incubation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Moumita Ghosh
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
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Diaferia C, Balasco N, Sibillano T, Giannini C, Vitagliano L, Morelli G, Accardo A. Structural Characterization of Self-Assembled Tetra-Tryptophan Based Nanostructures: Variations on a Common Theme. Chemphyschem 2018. [PMID: 29542851 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201800026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, a large number of multidisciplinary investigations has unveiled that the self-assembly of short peptides and even of individual amino acids can generate a variety of different biomaterials. In this framework, we have recently reported that polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugates of short homopeptides, containing aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine (Phe, F) and naphthylalanine (Nal), are able to form elongated fibrillary aggregates having interesting chemical and physical properties. We here extend these analyses characterizing the self-assembling propensity of PEG6 -W4, a PEG adduct of the tetra-tryptophan (W4) sequence. A comprehensive structural characterization of PEG6 -W4 was obtained, both in solution and at the solid state, through the combination of spectroscopic, microscopic, X-ray scattering and computational techniques. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that this peptide is able to self-assemble in fibrillary networks characterized by a cross β-structure spine. The present findings clearly demonstrate that aromatic residues display a general propensity to induce self-aggregation phenomenon, despite the significant differences in the physicochemical properties of their side chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134-, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples (Italy
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples (Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134-, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134-, Naples, Italy
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Bhattacharya A, Bhowmik S, Singh AK, Kodgire P, Das AK, Mukherjee TK. Direct Evidence of Intrinsic Blue Fluorescence from Oligomeric Interfaces of Human Serum Albumin. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:10606-10615. [PMID: 28930631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The molecular origin behind the concentration-dependent intrinsic blue fluorescence of human serum albumin (HSA) is not known yet. This unusual blue fluorescence is believed to be a characteristic feature of amyloid-like fibrils of protein/peptide and originates due to the delocalization of peptide bond electrons through the extended hydrogen bond networks of cross-β-sheet structure. Herein, by combining the results of spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, native gel electrophoresis, and confocal microscopy, we have shown that the intrinsic blue fluorescence of HSA exclusively originates from oligomeric interfaces devoid of any amyloid-like fibrillar structure. Our study suggests that this low energy fluorescence band is not due to any particular residue/sequence, but rather it is a common feature of self-assembled peptide bonds. The present findings of intrinsic blue fluorescence from oligomeric interfaces pave the way for future applications of this unique visual phenomenon for early stage detection of various protein aggregation related human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan Bhattacharya
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore , Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Soumitra Bhowmik
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore , Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Amit K Singh
- Centre of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore , Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Prashant Kodgire
- Centre of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore , Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Apurba K Das
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore , Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Tushar Kanti Mukherjee
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore , Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Diaferia C, Sibillano T, Altamura D, Roviello V, Vitagliano L, Giannini C, Morelli G, Accardo A. Structural Characterization of PEGylated Hexaphenylalanine Nanostructures Exhibiting Green Photoluminescence Emission. Chemistry 2017; 23:14039-14048. [PMID: 28782843 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201703055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Peptides containing aromatic residues are known to exhibit spontaneous phenomena of supramolecular organization into ordered nanostructures (NSs). In this work we studied the structural behavior and optoelectronic properties of new biocompatible materials obtained by the self-assembly of a series of hexaphenylalanines (F6) modified at the N terminus by a PEG chain of different lengths. PEG12 -F6, PEG18 -F6, and PEG24 -F6 peptides were synthesized by coupling sequentially two, three, or four units of amino-carboxy-PEG6 blocks, each one containing six oxyethylene repetitions. Changes in the length and composition of the PEG chain were found to modulate the structural organization of the phenylalanine-based nanostructures. An increase in the self-aggregation tendency was observed with longer PEG chains, whereas, independently of the PEG length, the peptide NSs display cross-β-like secondary structures with an antiparallel β-strand arrangement. WAXS/GIWAXS diffraction patterns indicate a progressive decrease in fiber order along the series. All the PEG-F6 derivatives present blue photoluminescent (PL) emission at 460 nm, with the adduct with the longest PEG chain (PEG24 -F6) showing an additional green emission at 530 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Altamura
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Analytical Chemistry for the Environment and Centro Servizi Metrologici Avanzati, University of Naples "Federico II", Corso Nicolangelo Protopisani, 80146, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
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29
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Diaferia C, Sibillano T, Giannini C, Roviello V, Vitagliano L, Morelli G, Accardo A. Photoluminescent Peptide-Based Nanostructures as FRET Donor for Fluorophore Dye. Chemistry 2017; 23:8741-8748. [PMID: 28508550 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201701381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A great interest has been recently generated by the discovery that peptide-based nanostructures (NSs) endowed with cross-β structure may show interesting photoluminescent (PL) properties. It was shown that NSs formed by PEGylated hexaphenylalanine (PEG8 -F6, PEG=polyethylene glycol) are able to emit at 460 nm when excited at 370 or 410 nm. Here, the possibility to transfer the fluorescence of these PEG8 -F6-based NSs by foster resonance electron transfer (FRET) phenomenon to a fluorescent dye was explored. To achieve this aim, the 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD) dye was encapsulated in these NSs. Structural data in solution and in solid state, obtained by a variety of techniques (circular dichroism, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and small-angle X-ray scattering), indicated that the organization of the peptide spine of PEG8 -F6 NS, which consists of anti-parallel β-sheets separated by a dry interface made of interacting phenylalanine side chains, was maintained upon NBD encapsulation. The spectroscopic characterization of these NSs clearly showed a red-shift of the emission fluorescence peak both in solution and in solid state. This shift from 460 to 530 nm indicated that a FRET phenomenon from the peptide-based to the fluorophore-encapsulated NS occurred. FRET could also be detected in the PEG8 -F6 conjugate, in which the NBD was covalently bound to the amine of the compound. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that the red-shift of the intrinsic PL of NSs may be exploited in the bio-imaging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Analytical Chemistry for the Environment and CeSMA (Centro Servizi Metereologici Avanzati), University of Naples "Federico II", Corso Nicolangelo Protopisani, 80146, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
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Diaferia C, Gianolio E, Sibillano T, Mercurio FA, Leone M, Giannini C, Balasco N, Vitagliano L, Morelli G, Accardo A. Cross-beta nanostructures based on dinaphthylalanine Gd-conjugates loaded with doxorubicin. Sci Rep 2017; 7:307. [PMID: 28331187 PMCID: PMC5428233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00332-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Very recently we proposed novel di- and tetra-phenylalanine peptides derivatized with gadolinium complexes as potentials supramolecular diagnostic agents for applications in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). It was observed that in very short FF dipeptide building blocks, the propensity to aggregate decreases significantly after modification with bulky moiety such as Gd-complexes, thus limiting their potential as CAs. We hypothesized that the replacement of the Phe side chain with more extended aromatic groups could improve the self-assembling. Here we describe the synthesis, structural and relaxometric behavior of a novel water soluble self-assembled peptide CA based on 2-naphthylalanine (2Nal). The peptide conjugate Gd-DOTA-L6-(2Nal)2 is able to self-assemble in long fibrillary nanostructures in water solution (up to 1.0 mg/mL). CD and FTIR spectroscopies indicate a β sheet secondary structure with an antiparallel orientation of single strands. All data are in good agreement with WAXS and SAXS characterizations that show the typical "cross-β pattern" for fibrils at the solid state. Molecular modeling indicates the three-dimensional structure of the peptide spine of aggregates is essentially constituted by extended β-sheet motifs stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The high relaxivity of nanoaggregates (12.3 mM-1 s-1 at 20 MHz) and their capability to encapsulate doxorubicin suggest their potential application as supramolecular theranostic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Eliana Gianolio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Science, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Flavia Anna Mercurio
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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31
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Diaferia C, Gianolio E, Accardo A, Morelli G. Gadolinium containing telechelic PEG-polymers end-capped by di-phenylalanine motives as potential supramolecular MRI contrast agents. J Pept Sci 2016; 23:122-130. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB); University of Naples “Federico II”; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Naples Italy
| | - Eliana Gianolio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Science; University of Turin; Via Nizza 52 10125 Turin Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB); University of Naples “Federico II”; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Naples Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB); University of Naples “Federico II”; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Naples Italy
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