1
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Kleiner S, Wulf V, Bisker G. Single-walled carbon nanotubes as near-infrared fluorescent probes for bio-inspired supramolecular self-assembled hydrogels. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 670:439-448. [PMID: 38772260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.05.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels derived from fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-conjugated amino acids and peptides demonstrate remarkable potential in biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and tissue engineering. These hydrogels can be injectable, offering a minimally invasive approach to hydrogel implantation. Given their potential for prolonged application, there is a need for non-destructive evaluation of their properties over extended periods. Thus, we introduce a hydrogel characterization platform employing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes. Our approach involves generating supramolecular self-assembling hydrogels from aromatic Fmoc-amino acids. Integrating SWCNTs into the hydrogels maintains their structural and mechanical properties, establishing SWCNTs as optical probes for hydrogels. We demonstrate that the SWCNT NIR-fluorescence changes during the gelation process correlate to rheological changes within the hydrogels. Additionally, single particle tracking of SWCNTs incorporated in the hydrogels provides insights into differences in hydrogel morphologies. Furthermore, the disassembly process of the hydrogels can be monitored through the SWCNT fluorescence modulation. The unique attribute of SWCNTs as non-photobleaching fluorescent sensors, emitting at the biologically transparent window, offers a non-destructive method for studying hydrogel dynamics over extended periods. This platform could be applied to a wide range of self-assembling hydrogels to advance our understanding and applications of supramolecular assembly technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirel Kleiner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Verena Wulf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Gili Bisker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
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2
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Dasgupta S, Sen S, Sathe RY, Pophali S, Kadu A, Jain R, Bera S, Roy S, Misra R. Conformation Controlled Hydrogelation of Minimalistic α, γ Hybrid Peptide. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3715-3723. [PMID: 38723225 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
A majority of short peptide (≤7 amino acids) hydrogels are primarily assembled via cross β-structure formation. In contrast to the natural trend, herein, we report the formation of supramolecular hydrogel from the ultrashort hybrid folded peptide composed of canonical α-amino acid and noncanonical γ-amino acid, Fmoc-γPhe-Phe-OH. The designed hybrid peptide hydrogel is composed of entangled fibers, has viscoelastic properties, exhibits proteolytic stability, and exhibits cytocompatibility with L929 fibroblast cells. Mutating the peptide sequence by altering the position of γPhe from the N-termini to C-termini transforms the self-assembly into crystalline aggregates. Combining FTIR, 2D NMR, and DFT calculations revealed that the hydrogel-forming peptide adopts a C9 H-bonded conformation, resembling the well-known γ-turn. However, the isomeric hybrid peptide adopts an extended structure. The present study highlights the importance of secondary structure in the higher order assembly of minimalist hybrid peptides and broadens the range of secondary structures to design short peptide-based hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Dasgupta
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 160062, India
| | - Sourav Sen
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Rohit Y Sathe
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019, India
| | - Salil Pophali
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 160062, India
| | - Archit Kadu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 160062, India
| | - Rahul Jain
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 160062, India
| | - Santu Bera
- Department of Chemistry, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana 131029, India
| | - Sangita Roy
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81, Knowledge City, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Rajkumar Misra
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 160062, India
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3
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Castelletto V, de Mello L, da Silva ER, Seitsonen J, Hamley IW. Comparison of the self-assembly and cytocompatibility of conjugates of Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) with hydrophobic, aromatic, or charged amino acids. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3571. [PMID: 38374800 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3571] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The self-assembly in aqueous solution of three Fmoc-amino acids with hydrophobic (aliphatic or aromatic, alanine or phenylalanine) or hydrophilic cationic residues (arginine) is compared. The critical aggregation concentrations were obtained using intrinsic fluorescence or fluorescence probe measurements, and conformation was probed using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Self-assembled nanostructures were imaged using cryo-transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Fmoc-Ala is found to form remarkable structures comprising extended fibril-like objects nucleating from spherical cores. In contrast, Fmoc-Arg self-assembles into plate-like crystals. Fmoc-Phe forms extended structures, in a mixture of straight and twisted fibrils coexisting with nanotapes. Spontaneous flow alignment of solutions of Fmoc-Phe assemblies is observed by SAXS. The cytocompatibility of the three Fmoc-amino acids was also compared via MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] mitochondrial activity assays. All three Fmoc-amino acids are cytocompatible with L929 fibroblasts at low concentration, and Fmoc-Arg shows cell viability up to comparatively high concentration (0.63 mM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Castelletto
- School of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
| | - Lucas de Mello
- School of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ian W Hamley
- School of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
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4
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Dombrowski M, Herbst M, Preisig N, Giesselmann F, Stubenrauch C. Time Dependence of Gel Formation in Lyotropic Nematic Liquid Crystals: From Hours to Weeks. Gels 2024; 10:261. [PMID: 38667680 PMCID: PMC11049373 DOI: 10.3390/gels10040261] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The combination of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) and low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) for the formation of lyotropic liquid crystal gels (LLC gels) leads to a versatile and complex material combining properties of both parent systems. We gelled the calamitic nematic NC phases of a binary and ternary system using the LMWG 3,5-bis-(5-hexylcarbamoyl-pentoxy)-benzoic acid hexyl ester (BHPB-6). This binary system consists of the surfactant N,N-dimethyl-N-ethyl-1-hexadecylammonium bromide (CDEAB) and water, whereas the ternary system consists of the surfactant N,N,N-trimethyl-N-tetradecylammonium bromide (C14TAB), the cosurfactant n-decanol, and water. Though containing similar surfactants, the gelled NC phases of the binary and ternary systems show differences in their visual and gel properties. The gelled NC phase of the binary system remains clear for several days after preparation, whereas the gelled NC phase of the ternary system turns turbid within 24 h. We investigated the time evolution of the gel strength with oscillation rheology measurements (a) within the first 24 h and (b) up to two weeks after gel formation. The shape of the fibers was investigated over different time scales with freeze fracture electron microscopy (FFEM). We demonstrate that despite their similarities, the two LLC gels also have distinct differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cosima Stubenrauch
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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5
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Mukherjee S, Reddy SMM, Shanmugam G. A bio-inspired silkworm 3D cocoon-like hierarchical self-assembled structure from π-conjugated natural aromatic amino acids. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1834-1845. [PMID: 38314911 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01746j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The formation of spontaneous 3D self-assembled hierarchical structures from 1D nanofibers is a significant breakthrough in materials science. Overcoming the major challenges associated with developing these 3D structures, such as uncontrolled self-assembly, complex procedures, and machinery, has been a formidable task. However, the current discovery reveals that simple π-system (fluorenyl)-functionalized natural aromatic amino acids, phenylalanine (Fmoc-F) and tyrosine (Fmoc-Y), can form bio-inspired 3D cocoon-like structures. These structures are composed of entangled 1D nanofibers created through supramolecular self-assembly using a straightforward one-step process of solvent casting. The self-assembly process relies on π-π stacking of the fluorenyl (π-system) moieties and intermolecular hydrogen bonding between urethane amide groups. The cocoon-like structures are versatile and independent of concentration, temperature, and humidity, making them suitable for various applications. This discovery has profound implications for materials science and the developed advanced biomaterials, such as Fmoc-F and Fmoc-Y, can serve as flexible foundational components for constructing 3D fiber-based structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Mukherjee
- Organic & Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) (CSIR-CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600020, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Samala Murali Mohan Reddy
- Organic & Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) (CSIR-CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600020, India.
| | - Ganesh Shanmugam
- Organic & Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) (CSIR-CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600020, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
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6
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Sahu I, Chakraborty P. A repertoire of nanoengineered short peptide-based hydrogels and their applications in biotechnology. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 233:113654. [PMID: 38000121 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nanotechnology has currently bridged the gap between materials and biological worlds. Bioinspired self-assembly of short-peptide building blocks helps take the leap from molecules to materials by taking inspiration from nature. Owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility, high water content, and extracellular matrix mimicking fibrous morphology, hydrogels engineered from the self-assembly of short peptides exemplify the actualization of peptide nanotechnology into biomedical products. However, the weak mechanical property of these hydrogels jeopardizes their practical applications. Moreover, their functional diversity is limited since they comprise only one building block. Nanoengineering the networks of these hydrogels by incorporating small molecules, polymers, and inorganic/carbon nanomaterials can augment the mechanical properties while retaining their dynamic supramolecular nature. These additives interact with the peptide building blocks supramolecularly and may enhance the branching of the networks via coassembly or crystallographic mismatch. This phenomenon expands the functional diversity of these hydrogels by synergistically combining the attributes of the individual building blocks. This review highlights such nanoengineered peptide hydrogels and their applications in biotechnology. We have included exemplary works on supramolecular modification of the peptide hydrogel networks by integrating other small molecules, synthetic/biopolymers, conductive polymers, and inorganic/carbon nanomaterials and shed light on their various utilities focusing on biotechnology. We finally envision some future prospects in this highly active field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipsita Sahu
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| | - Priyadarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India.
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7
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Castelletto V, de Mello L, da Silva ER, Seitsonen J, Hamley IW. Self-Assembly and Cytocompatibility of Amino Acid Conjugates Containing a Novel Water-Soluble Aromatic Protecting Group. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5403-5413. [PMID: 37914531 PMCID: PMC10646988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
There has been considerable interest in peptides in which the Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) protecting group is retained at the N-terminus, since this bulky aromatic group can drive self-assembly, and Fmoc-peptides are biocompatible and have applications in cell culture biomaterials. Recently, analogues of new amino acids with 2,7-disulfo-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Smoc) protecting groups have been developed for water-based peptide synthesis. Here, we report on the self-assembly and biocompatibility of Smoc-Ala, Smoc-Phe and Smoc-Arg as examples of Smoc conjugates to aliphatic, aromatic, and charged amino acids, respectively. Self-assembly occurs at concentrations above the critical aggregation concentration (CAC). Cryo-TEM imaging and SAXS reveal the presence of nanosheet, nanoribbon or nanotube structures, and spectroscopic methods (ThT fluorescence circular dichroism and FTIR) show the presence of β-sheet secondary structure, although Smoc-Ala solutions contain significant unaggregated monomer content. Smoc shows self-fluorescence, which was used to determine CAC values of the Smoc-amino acids from fluorescence assays. Smoc fluorescence was also exploited in confocal microscopy imaging with fibroblast cells, which revealed its uptake into the cytoplasm. The biocompatibility of these Smoc-amino acids was found to be excellent with zero cytotoxicity (in fact increased metabolism) to fibroblasts at low concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Castelletto
- School
of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, United Kingdom
| | - Lucas de Mello
- School
of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, United Kingdom
- Departamento
de Biofísica, Universidade Federal
de São Paulo, São
Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | | | - Jani Seitsonen
- Nanomicroscopy
Center, Aalto University, Puumiehenkuja 2, FIN-02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Ian W Hamley
- School
of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, United Kingdom
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8
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Parisi E, Adorinni S, Garcia AM, Kralj S, De Zorzi R, Marchesan S. Self-assembling tripeptide forming water-bound channels and hydrogels. J Pept Sci 2023; 29:e3524. [PMID: 37226306 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
D-Ser(tBu)-L-Phe-L-Trp is described as a self-assembling tripeptide that yields nanofibrillar hydrogels at physiological conditions (phosphate buffer at pH 7.4). The peptide is characterized by several spectroscopic methods, such as circular dichroism and fluorescence, oscillatory rheometry, and transmission electron microscopy. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals supramolecular packing into water-bound channels and allows the visualization of the intermolecular interactions holding together peptide stacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Parisi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Adorinni
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ana M Garcia
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Department for Materials Synthesis, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rita De Zorzi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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9
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Alletto P, Garcia AM, Marchesan S. Short Peptides for Hydrolase Supramolecular Mimicry and Their Potential Applications. Gels 2023; 9:678. [PMID: 37754360 PMCID: PMC10529927 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090678] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrolases are enzymes that have found numerous applications in various industrial sectors spanning from pharmaceuticals to foodstuff and beverages, consumers' products such as detergents and personal care, textiles, and even for biodiesel production and environmental bioremediation. Self-assembling and gelling short peptides have been designed for their mimicry so that their supramolecular organization leads to the creation of hydrophobic pockets for catalysis to occur. Catalytic gels of this kind can also find numerous industrial applications to address important global challenges of our time. This concise review focuses on the last 5 years of progress in this fast-paced, popular field of research with an eye towards the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Alletto
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Instituto Regional de Investigación Científica Aplicada (IRICA), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ana Maria Garcia
- Instituto Regional de Investigación Científica Aplicada (IRICA), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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10
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Coulter SM, Pentlavalli S, Vora LK, An Y, Cross ER, Peng K, McAulay K, Schweins R, Donnelly RF, McCarthy HO, Laverty G. Enzyme-Triggered l-α/d-Peptide Hydrogels as a Long-Acting Injectable Platform for Systemic Delivery of HIV/AIDS Drugs. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203198. [PMID: 36880399 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203198] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030 is a central goal of the World Health Organization. Patient adherence to complicated dosage regimens remains a key barrier. There is a need for convenient long-acting formulations that deliver drugs over sustained periods. This paper presents an alternative platform, an injectable in situ forming hydrogel implant to deliver a model antiretroviral drug (zidovudine [AZT]) over 28 days. The formulation is a self-assembling ultrashort d or l-α peptide hydrogelator, namely phosphorylated (naphthalene-2-ly)-acetyl-diphenylalanine-lysine-tyrosine-OH (NapFFKY[p]-OH), covalently conjugated to zidovudine via an ester linkage. Rheological analysis demonstrates phosphatase enzyme instructed self-assembly, with hydrogels forming within minutes. Small angle neutron scattering data suggest hydrogels form narrow radius (≈2 nm), large length fibers closely fitting the flexible cylinder elliptical model. d-Peptides are particularly promising for long-acting delivery, displaying protease resistance for 28 days. Drug release, via hydrolysis of the ester linkage, progress under physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.4, H2 O). Subcutaneous administration of Napffk(AZT)Y[p]G-OH in Sprague Dawley rats demonstrate zidovudine blood plasma concentrations within the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) range (30-130 ng mL-1 ) for 35 days. This work is a proof-of-concept for the development of a long-acting combined injectable in situ forming peptide hydrogel implant. These products are imperative given their potential impact on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Sreekanth Pentlavalli
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Yuming An
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Emily R Cross
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ke Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Kate McAulay
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Joseph Black Building, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK
- School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, G4 0BA, UK
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue - Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, Grenoble Cedex 9, 38042, France
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Garry Laverty
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK
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11
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Rozhin P, Kralj S, Soula B, Marchesan S, Flahaut E. Hydrogels from a Self-Assembling Tripeptide and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): Comparison between Single-Walled and Double-Walled CNTs. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13050847. [PMID: 36903725 PMCID: PMC10005271 DOI: 10.3390/nano13050847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular hydrogels obtained from the self-organization of simple peptides, such as tripeptides, are attractive soft materials. Their viscoelastic properties can be enhanced through the inclusion of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), although their presence can also hinder self-assembly, thus requiring investigation of the compatibility of CNMs with peptide supramolecular organization. In this work, we compared single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) as nanostructured additives for a tripeptide hydrogel, revealing superior performance by the latter. Several spectroscopic techniques, as well as thermogravimetric analyses, microscopy, and rheology data, provide details to elucidate the structure and behavior of nanocomposite hydrogels of this kind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Rozhin
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Department for Materials Synthesis, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigitte Soula
- Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche et d’Ingénierie des Matériaux, Université Paul Sabatier, UMR CNRS N°5085, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (E.F.)
| | - Emmanuel Flahaut
- Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche et d’Ingénierie des Matériaux, Université Paul Sabatier, UMR CNRS N°5085, 31062 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (E.F.)
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12
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Hamley IW. Self-Assembly, Bioactivity, and Nanomaterials Applications of Peptide Conjugates with Bulky Aromatic Terminal Groups. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:384-409. [PMID: 36735801 PMCID: PMC9945136 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c01041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly and structural and functional properties of peptide conjugates containing bulky terminal aromatic substituents are reviewed with a particular focus on bioactivity. Terminal moieties include Fmoc [fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl], naphthalene, pyrene, naproxen, diimides of naphthalene or pyrene, and others. These provide a driving force for self-assembly due to π-stacking and hydrophobic interactions, in addition to the hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, and other forces between short peptides. The balance of these interactions leads to a propensity to self-assembly, even for conjugates to single amino acids. The hybrid molecules often form hydrogels built from a network of β-sheet fibrils. The properties of these as biomaterials to support cell culture, or in the development of molecules that can assemble in cells (in response to cellular enzymes, or otherwise) with a range of fascinating bioactivities such as anticancer or antimicrobial activity, are highlighted. In addition, applications of hydrogels as slow-release drug delivery systems and in catalysis and other applications are discussed. The aromatic nature of the substituents also provides a diversity of interesting optoelectronic properties that have been demonstrated in the literature, and an overview of this is also provided. Also discussed are coassembly and enzyme-instructed self-assembly which enable precise tuning and (stimulus-responsive) functionalization of peptide nanostructures.
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13
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Marin D, Bartkowski M, Kralj S, Rosetti B, D’Andrea P, Adorinni S, Marchesan S, Giordani S. Supramolecular Hydrogels from a Tripeptide and Carbon Nano-Onions for Biological Applications. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:nano13010172. [PMID: 36616081 PMCID: PMC9824889 DOI: 10.3390/nano13010172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nanocomposite hydrogels have attracted researchers' attention in recent years to achieve superior performances in a variety of materials applications. In this work, we describe the outcome of three different strategies to combine a self-assembling tripeptide and carbon nano-onions (CNOs), through covalent and non-covalent approaches, into supramolecular and nanostructured hydrogels. Importantly, the tripeptide coated the nano-onions and extended their aqueous dispersions' stability by several hours. Furthermore, CNOs could be loaded in the tripeptide hydrogels at the highest level ever reported for nanocarbons, indicating high compatibility between the components. The materials were formed in phosphate-buffered solutions, thus paving the way for biological applications, and were characterized by several spectroscopic, microscopic, thermogravimetric, and rheological techniques. In vitro experiments demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Marin
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michał Bartkowski
- School of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Health, Dublin City University, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Department for Materials Synthesis, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Beatrice Rosetti
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola D’Andrea
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Adorinni
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordani
- School of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Health, Dublin City University, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Miao Y, Zhang J, Zhang G, He S, Xu B. l-Lysine-Based Gelators for the Formation of Gels in Water and Alcohol-Water Mixtures. Gels 2022; 9:gels9010029. [PMID: 36661797 PMCID: PMC9858241 DOI: 10.3390/gels9010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nα, Nε-diacyl-l-lysine and its derivatives are excellent candidates to be used as gelators for the formation of various gels, such as hydrogels, organogels or oleogels, and ionogels. A series of alkali metal salts (Na+ and K+) of four Nα, Nε-diacyl-l-lysines (acyl including octanoyl, decanoyl, lauroyl and myristoyl) were used to study the gelation behaviors in water and alcohol-water mixtures. l-lysine-based derivatives with long-chain acyl can act as gelators to gel water and alcohol-water mixtures. In contrast, octanoyl and decanoyl derivatives cannot form gels in all solvent systems. Gelation ability, rheological behavior, and morphology vary with the molecular structure of the gelator and the nature of the solvents, as hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding are responsible for the formation of gels. In general, sodium salts performed better in forming gels than their corresponding potassium salts, and myristoyl derivatives were beneficial for gel formation. Although it is challenging to form gels in t-butanol-water mixtures, the formed gels show high mechanical strength.
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15
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Self-Assembly and Gelation Study of Dipeptide Isomers with Norvaline and Phenylalanine. CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/chemistry4040093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dipeptides have emerged as attractive building blocks for supramolecular materials thanks to their low-cost, inherent biocompatibility, ease of preparation, and environmental friendliness as they do not persist in the environment. In particular, hydrophobic amino acids are ideal candidates for self-assembly in polar and green solvents, as a certain level of hydrophobicity is required to favor their aggregation and reduce the peptide solubility. In this work, we analyzed the ability to self-assemble and the gel of dipeptides based on the amino acids norvaline (Nva) and phenylalanine (Phe), studying all their combinations and not yielding to enantiomers, which display the same physicochemical properties, and hence the same self-assembly behavior in achiral environments as those studied herein. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction of all the compounds revealed fine details over their molecular packing and non-covalent interactions.
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16
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Oliveira CBP, Pereira RB, Pereira DM, Hilliou L, Castro TG, Martins JA, Jervis PJ, Ferreira PMT. Aryl-Capped Lysine-Dehydroamino Acid Dipeptide Supergelators as Potential Drug Release Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11811. [PMID: 36233112 PMCID: PMC9569917 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Employing amino acids and peptides as molecular building blocks provides unique opportunities for generating supramolecular hydrogels, owing to their inherent biological origin, bioactivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, they can suffer from proteolytic degradation. Short peptides (<8 amino acids) attached to an aromatic capping group are particularly attractive alternatives for minimalistic low molecular weight hydrogelators. Peptides with low critical gelation concentrations (CGCs) are especially desirable, as the low weight percentage required for gelation makes them more cost-effective and reduces toxicity. In this work, three dehydrodipeptides were studied for their self-assembly properties. The results showed that all three dehydrodipeptides can form self-standing hydrogels with very low critical gelation concentrations (0.05−0.20 wt%) using a pH trigger. Hydrogels of all three dehydrodipeptides were characterised by scanning tunnelling emission microscopy (STEM), rheology, fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Molecular modelling was performed to probe the structural patterns and interactions. The cytotoxicity of the new compounds was tested using human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line). In general, the results suggest that all three compounds are non-cytotoxic, although one of the peptides shows a small impact on cell viability. In sustained release assays, the effect of the charge of the model drug compounds on the rate of cargo release from the hydrogel network was evaluated. The hydrogels provide a sustained release of methyl orange (anionic) and ciprofloxacin (neutral), while methylene blue (cationic) was retained by the network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renato B. Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - David M. Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Loic Hilliou
- Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Tarsila G. Castro
- Center of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4800-122 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - José A. Martins
- Chemistry Centre, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Peter J. Jervis
- Chemistry Centre, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Paula M. T. Ferreira
- Chemistry Centre, School of Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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17
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Misra R, Tang Y, Chen Y, Chakraborty P, Netti F, Vijayakanth T, Shimon LJW, Wei G, Adler-Abramovich L. Exploiting Minimalistic Backbone Engineered γ-Phenylalanine for the Formation of Supramolecular Co-Polymer. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2200223. [PMID: 35920234 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ordered supramolecular hydrogels assembled by modified aromatic amino acids often exhibit low mechanical rigidity. Aiming to stabilize the hydrogel and understand the impact of conformational freedom and hydrophobicity on the self-assembly process, we designed two building blocks based on 9-fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyl-phenylalanine (Fmoc-Phe) gelator which contain two extra methylene units in the backbone, generating Fmoc-γPhe and Fmoc-(3-hydroxy)-γPhe. Fmoc-γPhe spontaneously assembled in aqueous media forming a hydrogel with exceptional mechanical and thermal stability. Moreover, Fmoc-(3-hydroxy)-γPhe, with an extra backbone hydroxyl group decreasing its hydrophobicity while maintaining some molecular flexibility, self-assembled into a transient fibrillar hydrogel, that later formed microcrystalline aggregates through phase transition. Molecular dynamics simulations and single crystal X-ray analyses revealed the mechanism underlying the two residues' distinct self-assembly behaviors. Finally, we demonstrated Fmoc-γPhe and Fmoc-(3-OH)-γPhe co-assembly to form a supramolecular hydrogel with notable mechanical properties. We believe that the understanding of the structure-assembly relationship will enable the design of new functional amino acid-based hydrogels. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkumar Misra
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel.,Dept. of Med. Chem, NIPER Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), 160062, India
| | - Yiming Tang
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Priyadarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Francesca Netti
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Thangavel Vijayakanth
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research George S. Wise, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Linda J W Shimon
- Department of Chemical Research Support, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
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18
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Netti F, Aviv M, Dan Y, Rudnick-Glick S, Halperin-Sternfeld M, Adler-Abramovich L. Stabilizing gelatin-based bioinks under physiological conditions by incorporation of ethylene-glycol-conjugated Fmoc-FF peptides. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:8525-8533. [PMID: 35660804 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr08206j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies have attracted the interest of researchers due to the possibility of fabricating tissue- and organ-like structures with similarities to the organ of interest. One of the most widely used materials for the fabrication of bioinks is gelatin (Gel) due to its excellent biocompatibility properties. However, in order to fabricate stable scaffolds under physiological conditions, the most common approach is to use gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) that allows the crosslinking and therefore the stabilization of the hydrogel through UV crosslinking. The crosslinking process can be harmful to cells thus decreasing total cell viability. To overcome the need for post-printing crosslinking, a new approach of bioink formulation was studied, incorporating the Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) peptide into the Gel bioink. However, although Fmoc-FF possesses excellent mechanical properties, the lack of elasticity and viscosity makes it unsuitable for 3D-printing. Here, we demonstrate that covalent conjugation of two different ethylene glycol (EG) motifs to the Fmoc-FF peptide increases the hydrophilicity and elasticity properties, which are essential for 3D-printing. This new approach for bioink formulation avoids the need for any post-printing manufacturing processes, such as chemical or UV crosslinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Netti
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Moran Aviv
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Afeka Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering, Israel
| | - Yoav Dan
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Safra Rudnick-Glick
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Michal Halperin-Sternfeld
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
- The Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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19
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Oliveira CBP, Veloso SRS, Castanheira EMS, Figueiredo PR, Carvalho ATP, Hilliou L, Pereira RB, Pereira DM, Martins JA, Ferreira PMT, Jervis PJ. An injectable, naproxen-conjugated, supramolecular hydrogel with ultra-low critical gelation concentration-prepared from a known folate receptor ligand. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3955-3966. [PMID: 35551321 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00121g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Short peptides capped on the N-terminus with aromatic groups are often able to form supramolecular hydrogels-self-assembled networks of fibrils able to trap water molecules. Typically, these hydrogelators can form stiff gels at concentrations of 0.1 to 1.0 wt%-i.e. they consist of mainly water. The properties of these soft materials mimic those of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of biological tissue and therefore they have found many biomedical uses in tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, biosensing and bioprinting applications. In drug delivery strategies related to cancer therapy, injectable hydrogels can serve as a depot formulation, where a sustained release of the chemotherapeutic from near the tumour site allows reduced doses and, therefore, decreased side effects. To further target cancer cells, folic acid-conjugated hydrogels and nanostructures are often sought, to exploit the overexpression of folate receptors on cancer cells-an approach which can allow the selective cellular uptake of an encapsulated drug. In this present study, two known dipeptide folate receptor ligands (1 and 2) recently identified from a screen of a DNA-encoded compound library, were synthesised and investigated for their hydrogelation ability and cytotoxicity. Compound 1, containing a naproxen capping group, rapidly forms hydrogels at concentrations as low as 0.03 wt%-one of the lowest critical gelation concentrations (CGCs) known for a supramolecular hydrogelator. In contrast, compound 2, which contains a 3-indolepropionic acid capping group, was unable to form hydrogels under a range of conditions and concentrations, instead forming nanospheres with diameters of 0.5 μm. Hydrogels of 1 were characterised by STEM microscopy, rheology, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Both compounds 1 and 2 had no impact on the proliferation of kerotinocytes (HaCaT cells) at concentrations up to 100 μM. Compound 1, containing the NSAID, was tested for anti-inflammatory activity in a human cyclooxygenase-1/2 model. The rate of the release of model drug compounds from within hydrogels of 1 was also investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos B P Oliveira
- Centre of Chemistry (CQUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Sérgio R S Veloso
- Centre of Physics (CFUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro R Figueiredo
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandra T P Carvalho
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Almac Sciences, Department of Biocatalysis and Isotope Chemistry, Almac House, 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, BT63 5QD, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Loic Hilliou
- Institute for Polymers and Composites, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Renato B Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Lab. of Pharmacognosy, Dep. of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - David M Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Lab. of Pharmacognosy, Dep. of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José A Martins
- Centre of Chemistry (CQUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Paula M T Ferreira
- Centre of Chemistry (CQUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Peter J Jervis
- Centre of Chemistry (CQUM), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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20
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Bellotto O, Pierri G, Rozhin P, Polentarutti M, Kralj S, D'Andrea P, Tedesco C, Marchesan S. Dipeptide self-assembly into water-channels and gel biomaterial. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:6211-6218. [PMID: 35575102 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00622g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dipeptides are convenient building blocks for supramolecular gel biomaterials that can be produced on a large scale at low cost and do not persist in the environment. In the case of unprotected sequences, hydrophobicity is a key requirement to enable gelation, with Phe-Phe standing out for its self-assembling ability. Conversely, more hydrophilic sequences such as homochiral dipeptides Phe-Val and Val-Phe neither fibrillate nor gel aqueous buffers and their crystal structures reveal amphipathic layers. In this work, we test emerging rules for the design of self-assembling dipeptides using heterochiral Phe-Val and Val-Phe. Each dipeptide is characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR, LC-MS, circular dichroism, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, rheology, electron microscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In particular, D-Phe-L-Val is the first heterochiral dipeptide to self-assemble into supramolecular water-channels whose cavity is defined by four peptide molecules arranged head-to-tail. This minimalistic sequence is devoid of amyloid character as probed by thioflavin T fluorescence and it displays excellent biocompatibility in vitro. The dataset provided, through comparison with the literature, significantly advances the definition of molecular design rules for minimalistic unprotected dipeptides that self-assemble into water-channels and biocompatible gels, to assist with the future development of supramolecular biomaterials with fine control over nanomorphological features for a variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Pierri
- University of Salerno, Dept. of Chemistry & Biologi "A. Zambelli", Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| | - Petr Rozhin
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | | | - Slavko Kralj
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Materials Synthesis Dept., Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,University of Ljubljana, Pharmaceutical Technology Dept., Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Paola D'Andrea
- University of Trieste, Life Sciences Dept., Via L. Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Consiglia Tedesco
- University of Salerno, Dept. of Chemistry & Biologi "A. Zambelli", Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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21
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Scarel E, Bellotto O, Rozhin P, Kralj S, Tortora M, Vargiu AV, De Zorzi R, Rossi B, Marchesan S. Single-atom substitution enables supramolecular diversity from dipeptide building blocks. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:2129-2136. [PMID: 35179536 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01824h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dipeptides are popular building blocks for supramolecular gels that do not persist in the environment and may find various applications. In this work, we show that a simple substitution on the aromatic side-chain of phenylalanine with either fluorine or iodine enables supramolecular diversity upon self-assembly at neutral pH, leading to hydrogels or crystals. Each building block is characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, LC-MS, circular dichroism, and molecular models. The supramolecular behaviour is monitored with a variety of techniques, including circular dichroism, oscillatory rheology, transmission electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, visible Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron-radiation single-crystal X-ray diffraction and UV Resonance Raman spectroscopy, allowing key differences to be pinpointed amongst the halogenated analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Scarel
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Ottavia Bellotto
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Petr Rozhin
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Materials Synthesis Dept., Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Pharmaceutical Technology Dept., Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mariagrazia Tortora
- Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- University of Cagliari, Physics Dept., 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rita De Zorzi
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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22
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Wei H, Lin S, Liu W, Li Y, Li B, Yang Y. Stereostructure Dependence Phenomenon on the Self-Assembly of Ala-Ala-Ala Lipotripeptides. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:2248-2256. [PMID: 35133849 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A series of lipotripeptide stereoisomers based on alanine were synthesized, and their self-assembling behaviors were studied by means of circular dichroism spectra, ATR-IR, temperature-dependent 1H NMR, and X-ray diffraction patterns. In the mixed solvent of hexafluoroisopropanol/H2O (1/9, v/v), eight lipotripeptides were able to self-assembled into nanoflakes or nanoribbons driven by the hydrophobic association of alkyl chains, intermolecular hydrogen bonding among carboxyl groups at C-terminal and amide groups of alanine moieties in the peptide segment. It was found that the stacking chirality of carbonyl groups was determined by the chirality of alanine residue at C-terminal (i.e., "C-terminal determination" rule). Moreover, our research also highlighted the intermolecular hydrogen bonding on amide groups of each alanine residue, terminal carboxyl as well as the molecular packing structures can be subtly manipulated by changing the stereochemical sequence of peptide segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Wei
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shuwei Lin
- Key Lab of Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies of Jiangsu Province & Key Lab of Modern Optical Technologies of Education Ministry of China, School of Optoelectronics Science and Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Baozong Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yonggang Yang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Ravarino P, Di Domenico N, Barbalinardo M, Faccio D, Falini G, Giuri D, Tomasini C. Fluorine Effect in the Gelation Ability of Low Molecular Weight Gelators. Gels 2022; 8:gels8020098. [PMID: 35200480 PMCID: PMC8871896 DOI: 10.3390/gels8020098] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The three gelators presented in this work (Boc-D-Phe-L-Oxd-OH F0, Boc-D-F1Phe-L-Oxd-OH F1 and Boc-D-F2Phe-L-Oxd-OH F2) share the same scaffold and differ in the number of fluorine atoms linked to the aromatic ring of phenylalanine. They have been applied to the preparation of gels in 0.5% or 1.0% w/v concentration, using three methodologies: solvent switch, pH change and calcium ions addition. The general trend is an increased tendency to form structured materials from F0 to F1 and F2. This property ends up in the formation of stronger materials when fluorine atoms are present. Some samples, generally formed by F1 or F2 in 0.5% w/v concentration, show high transparency but low mechanical properties. Two gels, both containing fluorine atoms, show increased stiffness coupled with high transparency. The biocompatibility of the gelators was assessed exposing them to fibroblast cells and demonstrated that F1 and F2 are not toxic to cells even in high concentration, while F0 is not toxic to cells only in a low concentration. In conclusion, the presence of even only one fluorine atom improves all the gelators properties: the gelation ability of the compound, the rheological properties and the transparency of the final materials and the gelator biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ravarino
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.R.); (N.D.D.); (D.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Nadia Di Domenico
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.R.); (N.D.D.); (D.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Marianna Barbalinardo
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, (ISMN-CNR)-Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Davide Faccio
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.R.); (N.D.D.); (D.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Falini
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.R.); (N.D.D.); (D.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Demetra Giuri
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.R.); (N.D.D.); (D.F.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (D.G.); (C.T.); Tel.: +39-0512099486 (C.T.)
| | - Claudia Tomasini
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.R.); (N.D.D.); (D.F.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (D.G.); (C.T.); Tel.: +39-0512099486 (C.T.)
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Gamma Radiation- and Ultraviolet-Induced Polymerization of Bis(amino acid)fumaramide Gel Assemblies. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14010214. [PMID: 35012236 PMCID: PMC8747669 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling the polymerization of supramolecular self-assembly through external stimuli holds great potential for the development of responsive soft materials and manipulation at the nanoscale. Vinyl esters of bis(leu or val)fumaramide (1a and 2a) have been found to be gelators of various organic solvents and were applied in this investigation of the influence of organogelators’ self-assembly on solid-state polymerization induced by gamma and ultraviolet irradiation. Here, we report our investigation into the influences of self-assemblies of bis(amino acid vinyl ester)fumaramides on gamma-ray- and ultraviolet-induced polymerization. The gelator molecules self-assembled by non-covalent interactions, mainly through hydrogen bonds between the amide group (CONH) and the carboxyl group (COO), thus forming a gel network. NMR and FTIR spectroscopy were used to investigate and characterize supramolecular gels. TEM and SEM microscopy were used to investigate the morphology of gels and polymers. Morphology studies showed that the gels contained a filamentous structure of nanometer dimensions that was exhaustive in a three-dimensional network. The prepared derivatives contained reactive alkyl groups suitable for carrying out the polymerization reaction initiated by gamma or ultraviolet radiation in the supramolecular aggregates of selected gels. It was found that the polymerization reaction occurred only in the network of the gel and was dependent on the structure of aggregates or the proximity and orientation of double bonds in the gel network. Polymers were formed by the gels exposure to gamma and ultraviolet radiation in toluene, and water/DMF gels with transcripts of their gel structure into polymers. The polymeric material was able to immobilize various solvents by swelling. Furthermore, methyl esters of bis(leu and val)fumaramide (1b and 2b) were synthesized; these compounds showed no gelling properties, and the crystal structure of the valine derivative 2b was determined.
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Tsuge A, Koretsune Y, Araki K. Preparation and Properties of Ambidextrous Gelators Having Ethanolamine Moiety. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202103016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Tsuge
- Department of Applied Chemistry Kyushu Institute of Technology Tobata-ku Kitakyushu 804-8550 Japan
| | - Yoshihide Koretsune
- Department of Applied Chemistry Kyushu Institute of Technology Tobata-ku Kitakyushu 804-8550 Japan
| | - Koji Araki
- Department of Applied Chemistry Kyushu Institute of Technology Tobata-ku Kitakyushu 804-8550 Japan
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Mandal S, Dube T, Mohapatra AK, Choudhury S, Khanam F, Yadav P, Chauhan VS, Mishra J, Panda JJ. Engineered Biocompatible and Stable Dipeptide Hydrogel with Tunable Mechanical and Cell Growth Properties to Embolden Neuroglial Cell Growth. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Sonallya T, Sruthi L, Deshpande AP, Shanmugam G. Tweaking of supramolecular hydrogel property of single and two-component gel systems by a bifunctional molecule. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bolaamphiphilic Bis-Dehydropeptide Hydrogels as Potential Drug Release Systems. Gels 2021; 7:gels7020052. [PMID: 33946932 PMCID: PMC8162347 DOI: 10.3390/gels7020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of nanometric structures from molecular building blocks is an effective way to make new functional materials for biological and technological applications. In this work, four symmetrical bolaamphiphiles based on dehydrodipeptides (phenylalanyldehydrophenylalanine and tyrosyldehydrophenylalanine) linked through phenyl or naphthyl linkers (terephthalic acid and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) were prepared, and their self-assembly properties were studied. The results showed that all compounds, with the exception of the bolaamphiphile of tyrosyldehydrophenylalanine and 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, gave self-standing hydrogels with critical gelation concentrations of 0.3 wt % and 0.4 wt %, using a pH trigger. The self-assembly of these hydrogelators was investigated using STEM microscopy, which revealed a network of entangled fibers. According to rheology, the dehydrodipeptide bolaamphiphilic hydrogelators are viscoelastic materials with an elastic modulus G′ that falls in the range of native tissue (0.37 kPa brain–4.5 kPa cartilage). In viability and proliferation studies, it was found that these compounds were non-toxic toward the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. In sustained release assays, we studied the effects of the charge present on model drug compounds on the rate of cargo release from the hydrogel networks. Methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and ciprofloxacin were chosen as cationic, anionic, and overall neutral cargo, respectively. These studies have shown that the hydrogels provide a sustained release of methyl orange and ciprofloxacin, while methylene blue is retained by the hydrogel network.
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Jervis PJ, Amorim C, Pereira T, Martins JA, Ferreira PMT. Dehydropeptide Supramolecular Hydrogels and Nanostructures as Potential Peptidomimetic Biomedical Materials. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2528. [PMID: 33802425 PMCID: PMC7959283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Supramolecular peptide hydrogels are gaining increased attention, owing to their potential in a variety of biomedical applications. Their physical properties are similar to those of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is key to their applications in the cell culture of specialized cells, tissue engineering, skin regeneration, and wound healing. The structure of these hydrogels usually consists of a di- or tripeptide capped on the N-terminus with a hydrophobic aromatic group, such as Fmoc or naphthalene. Although these peptide conjugates can offer advantages over other types of gelators such as cross-linked polymers, they usually possess the limitation of being particularly sensitive to proteolysis by endogenous proteases. One of the strategies reported that can overcome this barrier is to use a peptidomimetic strategy, in which natural amino acids are switched for non-proteinogenic analogues, such as D-amino acids, β-amino acids, or dehydroamino acids. Such peptides usually possess much greater resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. Peptides containing dehydroamino acids, i.e., dehydropeptides, are particularly interesting, as the presence of the double bond also introduces a conformational restraint to the peptide backbone, resulting in (often predictable) changes to the secondary structure of the peptide. This review focuses on peptide hydrogels and related nanostructures, where α,β-didehydro-α-amino acids have been successfully incorporated into the structure of peptide hydrogelators, and the resulting properties are discussed in terms of their potential biomedical applications. Where appropriate, their properties are compared with those of the corresponding peptide hydrogelator composed of canonical amino acids. In a wider context, we consider the presence of dehydroamino acids in natural compounds and medicinally important compounds as well as their limitations, and we consider some of the synthetic strategies for obtaining dehydropeptides. Finally, we consider the future direction for this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Jervis
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (C.A.); (T.P.); (J.A.M.); (P.M.T.F.)
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30
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Rho JY, Perrier S. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: User's Guide to Supramolecular Peptide-Polymer Conjugates. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:258-271. [PMID: 35570781 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This Viewpoint highlights the design principles and development of peptide-based supramolecular polymers. Here we delve deep into the practicalities of synthesizing and characterizing these macromolecular structures and provide a thorough overview of the benefits and challenges that come with these systems. This Viewpoint emphasizes to beginners and experts alike the importance of understanding the fundamental behavior and self-assembly processes when designing these complex and dynamic functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Y Rho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Sébastien Perrier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Victoria 3052, Australia.,Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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31
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Kurbasic M, Parisi E, Garcia AM, Marchesan S. Self-Assembling, Ultrashort Peptide Gels as Antimicrobial Biomaterials. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1300-1309. [PMID: 32178611 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200316150221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular antimicrobial hydrogels based on peptides are attractive soft materials for the treatment of infections, considering their ease of preparation and benign fate in biological settings and in the environment. In particular, stimuli-responsive systems that can be assembled/disassembled ad hoc could offer the opportunity to switch on/off their bioactivity as needed. Besides, the shorter is the peptide, the lower its cost of production. However, a structure-to-function relationship is yet to be defined and reported activities are generally not yet competitive relative to traditional antibiotics. Inspiration for their design can be found in host defense peptides (HDPs), which can self-assemble to exert their function. This article reviews research developments in this emerging area, and it examines features, differences and similarities between antimicrobial and amyloid peptides to open the avenue towards the next generation of supramolecular antimicrobial peptides as innovative therapeutic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Kurbasic
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Evelina Parisi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ana M Garcia
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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32
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Kralj S, Bellotto O, Parisi E, Garcia AM, Iglesias D, Semeraro S, Deganutti C, D’Andrea P, Vargiu AV, Geremia S, De Zorzi R, Marchesan S. Heterochirality and Halogenation Control Phe-Phe Hierarchical Assembly. ACS NANO 2020; 14:16951-16961. [PMID: 33175503 PMCID: PMC7872421 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Diphenylalanine is an amyloidogenic building block that can form a versatile array of supramolecular materials. Its shortcomings, however, include the uncontrolled hierarchical assembly into microtubes of heterogeneous size distribution and well-known cytotoxicity. This study rationalized heterochirality as a successful strategy to address both of these pitfalls and it provided an unprotected heterochiral dipeptide that self-organized into a homogeneous and optically clear hydrogel with excellent ability to sustain fibroblast cell proliferation and viability. Substitution of one l-amino acid with its d-enantiomer preserved the ability of the dipeptide to self-organize into nanotubes, as shown by single-crystal XRD analysis, whereby the pattern of electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions of the backbone was unaltered. The effect of heterochirality was manifested in subtle changes in the positioning of the aromatic side chains, which resulted in weaker intermolecular interactions between nanotubes. As a result, d-Phe-l-Phe self-organized into homogeneous nanofibrils with a diameter of 4 nm, corresponding to two layers of peptides around a water channel, and yielded a transparent hydrogel. In contrast with homochiral Phe-Phe stereoisomer, it formed stable hydrogels thermoreversibly. d-Phe-l-Phe displayed no amyloid toxicity in cell cultures with fibroblast cells proliferating in high numbers and viability on this biomaterial, marking it as a preferred substrate over tissue-culture plastic. Halogenation also enabled the tailoring of d-Phe-l-Phe self-organization. Fluorination allowed analogous supramolecular packing as confirmed by XRD, thus nanotube formation, and gave intermediate levels of bundling. In contrast, iodination was the most effective strategy to augment the stability of the resulting hydrogel, although at the expense of optical transparency and biocompatibility. Interestingly, iodine presence hindered the supramolecular packing into nanotubes, resulting instead into amphipathic layers of stacked peptides without the occurrence of halogen bonding. By unravelling fine details to control these materials at the meso- and macro-scale, this study significantly advanced our understanding of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slavko Kralj
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Materials
Synthesis Department, Jožef Stefan
Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ottavia Bellotto
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Evelina Parisi
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ana M. Garcia
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniel Iglesias
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabrina Semeraro
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Caterina Deganutti
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola D’Andrea
- Life
Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Attilio V. Vargiu
- Physics
Department, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, km. 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Silvano Geremia
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Rita De Zorzi
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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33
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Patel AM, Ray D, Aswal VK, Ballabh A. Probing the mechanism of gelation and anion sensing capability of a thiazole based amide gelator: A case study. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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34
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Choe R, Il Yun S. Fmoc-diphenylalanine-based hydrogels as a potential carrier for drug delivery. E-POLYMERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/epoly-2020-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSelf-assembled hydrogels from 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-modified diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) peptides were evaluated as potential vehicles for drug delivery. During self-assembly of Fmoc-FF, high concentrations of indomethacin (IDM) drugs were shown to be incorporated into the hydrogels. The β-sheet arrangement of peptides was found to be predominant in Fmoc-FF–IDM hydrogels regardless of the IDM content. The release mechanism for IDM displayed a biphasic profile comprising an initial hydrogel erosion-dominated stage followed by the diffusion-controlled stage. Small amounts of polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) added to the hydrogel (Fmoc-FF 0.5%–IDM 0.5%–PAMAM 0.03%) resulted in a more prolonged IDM release compared with Fmoc-FF 0.5%–IDM 0.5% hydrogel. Furthermore, these IDM-loaded hydrogels demonstrated excellent thixotropic response and injectability, which make them suitable candidates for use as injectable self-healing matrices for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjoo Choe
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul 110-743, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Il Yun
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Sangmyung University, Seoul 110-743, Republic of Korea
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35
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Gruschwitz FV, Klein T, Catrouillet S, Brendel JC. Supramolecular polymer bottlebrushes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:5079-5110. [PMID: 32347854 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc01202e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The field of supramolecular chemistry has long been known to generate complex materials of different sizes and shapes via the self-assembly of single or multiple low molar mass building blocks. Matching the complexity found in natural assemblies, however, remains a long-term challenge considering its precision in organizing large macromolecules into well-defined nanostructures. Nevertheless, the increasing understanding of supramolecular chemistry has paved the way to several attempts in arranging synthetic macromolecules into larger ordered structures based on non-covalent forces. This review is a first attempt to summarize the developments in this field, which focus mainly on the formation of one-dimensional, linear, cylindrical aggregates in solution with pendant polymer chains - therefore coined supramolecular polymer bottlebrushes in accordance with their covalent equivalents. Distinguishing by the different supramolecular driving forces, we first describe systems based on π-π interactions, which comprise, among others, the well-known perylene motif, but also the early attempts using cyclophanes. However, the majority of reported supramolecular polymer bottlebrushes are formed by hydrogen bonds as they can for example be found in linear and cyclic peptides, as well as so called sticker molecules containing multiple urea groups. Besides this overview on the reported motifs and their impact on the resulting morphology of the polymer nanostructures, we finally highlight the potential benefits of such non-covalent interactions and refer to promising future directions of this still mostly unrecognized field of supramolecular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franka V Gruschwitz
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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36
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Bojarska J, Remko M, Madura ID, Kaczmarek K, Zabrocki J, Wolf WM. Synthesis, experimental and in silico studies of N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-O-tert-butyl-N-methyltyrosine, coupled with CSD data: a survey of interactions in the crystal structures of Fmoc-amino acids. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C-STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY 2020; 76:328-345. [PMID: 32229714 DOI: 10.1107/s2053229620003009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recently, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) amino acids (e.g. Fmoc-tyrosine or Fmoc-phenylalanine) have attracted growing interest in biomedical research and industry, with special emphasis directed towards the design and development of novel effective hydrogelators, biomaterials or therapeutics. With this in mind, a systematic knowledge of the structural and supramolecular features in recognition of those properties is essential. This work is the first comprehensive summary of noncovalent interactions combined with a library of supramolecular synthon patterns in all crystal structures of amino acids with the Fmoc moiety reported so far. Moreover, a new Fmoc-protected amino acid, namely, 2-{[(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxy)carbonyl](methyl)amino}-3-{4-[(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)oxy]phenyl}propanoic acid or N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-O-tert-butyl-N-methyltyrosine, Fmoc-N-Me-Tyr(t-Bu)-OH, C29H31NO5, was successfully synthesized and the structure of its unsolvated form was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structural, conformational and energy landscape was investigated in detail by combined experimental and in silico approaches, and further compared to N-Fmoc-phenylalanine [Draper et al. (2015). CrystEngComm, 42, 8047-8057]. Geometries were optimized by the density functional theory (DFT) method either in vacuo or in solutio. The polarizable conductor calculation model was exploited for the evaluation of the hydration effect. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that H...H, C...H/H...C and O...H/H...O interactions constitute the major contributions to the total Hirshfeld surface area in all the investigated systems. The molecular electrostatic potentials mapped over the surfaces identified the electrostatic complementarities in the crystal packing. The prediction of weak hydrogen-bonded patterns via Full Interaction Maps was computed. Supramolecular motifs formed via C-H...O, C-H...π, (fluorenyl)C-H...Cl(I), C-Br...π(fluorenyl) and C-I...π(fluorenyl) interactions are observed. Basic synthons, in combination with the Long-Range Synthon Aufbau Modules, further supported by energy-framework calculations, are discussed. Furthermore, the relevance of Fmoc-based supramolecular hydrogen-bonding patterns in biocomplexes are emphasized, for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bojarska
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Żeromskiego 116, Lodz 90-924, Poland
| | - Milan Remko
- Remedika, Sustekova 1, 85104 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Izabela D Madura
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kaczmarek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Żeromskiego 116, Lodz 90-924, Poland
| | - Janusz Zabrocki
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Żeromskiego 116, Lodz 90-924, Poland
| | - Wojciech M Wolf
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Żeromskiego 116, Lodz 90-924, Poland
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Chakraborty P, Tang Y, Yamamoto T, Yao Y, Guterman T, Zilberzwige-Tal S, Adadi N, Ji W, Dvir T, Ramamoorthy A, Wei G, Gazit E. Unusual Two-Step Assembly of a Minimalistic Dipeptide-Based Functional Hypergelator. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1906043. [PMID: 31984580 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled peptide hydrogels represent the realization of peptide nanotechnology into biomedical products. There is a continuous quest to identify the simplest building blocks and optimize their critical gelation concentration (CGC). Herein, a minimalistic, de novo dipeptide, Fmoc-Lys(Fmoc)-Asp, as an hydrogelator with the lowest CGC ever reported, almost fourfold lower as compared to that of a large hexadecapeptide previously described, is reported. The dipeptide self-assembles through an unusual and unprecedented two-step process as elucidated by solid-state NMR and molecular dynamics simulation. The hydrogel is cytocompatible and supports 2D/3D cell growth. Conductive composite gels composed of Fmoc-Lys(Fmoc)-Asp and a conductive polymer exhibit excellent DNA binding. Fmoc-Lys(Fmoc)-Asp exhibits the lowest CGC and highest mechanical properties when compared to a library of dipeptide analogues, thus validating the uniqueness of the molecular design which confers useful properties for various potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadarshi Chakraborty
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Yiming Tang
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Tomoya Yamamoto
- Biophysics and Department of Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yifei Yao
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Tom Guterman
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Shai Zilberzwige-Tal
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Nofar Adadi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Wei Ji
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Tal Dvir
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy
- Biophysics and Department of Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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38
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Rho JY, Cox H, Mansfield EDH, Ellacott SH, Peltier R, Brendel JC, Hartlieb M, Waigh TA, Perrier S. Dual self-assembly of supramolecular peptide nanotubes to provide stabilisation in water. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4708. [PMID: 31624265 PMCID: PMC6797743 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12586-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembling peptides have the ability to spontaneously aggregate into large ordered structures. The reversibility of the peptide hydrogen bonded supramolecular assembly make them tunable to a host of different applications, although it leaves them highly dynamic and prone to disassembly at the low concentration needed for biological applications. Here we demonstrate that a secondary hydrophobic interaction, near the peptide core, can stabilise the highly dynamic peptide bonds, without losing the vital solubility of the systems in aqueous conditions. This hierarchical self-assembly process can be used to stabilise a range of different β-sheet hydrogen bonded architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Y Rho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Henry Cox
- Biological Physics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | | | - Sean H Ellacott
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Raoul Peltier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Matthias Hartlieb
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Thomas A Waigh
- Biological Physics, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Sébastien Perrier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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Basavalingappa V, Guterman T, Tang Y, Nir S, Lei J, Chakraborty P, Schnaider L, Reches M, Wei G, Gazit E. Expanding the Functional Scope of the Fmoc-Diphenylalanine Hydrogelator by Introducing a Rigidifying and Chemically Active Urea Backbone Modification. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1900218. [PMID: 31316891 PMCID: PMC6619482 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201900218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Peptidomimetic low-molecular-weight hydrogelators, a class of peptide-like molecules with various backbone amide modifications, typically give rise to hydrogels of diverse properties and increased stability compared to peptide hydrogelators. Here, a new peptidomimetic low-molecular-weight hydrogelator is designed based on the well-studied N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) peptide by replacing the amide bond with a frequently employed amide bond surrogate, the urea moiety, aiming to increase hydrogen bonding capabilities. This designed ureidopeptide, termed Fmoc-Phe-NHCONH-Phe-OH (Fmoc-FuF), forms hydrogels with improved mechanical properties, as compared to those formed by the unmodified Fmoc-FF. A combination of experimental and computational structural methods shows that hydrogen bonding and aromatic interactions facilitate Fmoc-FuF gel formation. The Fmoc-FuF hydrogel possesses properties favorable for biomedical applications, including shear thinning, self-healing, and in vitro cellular biocompatibility. Additionally, the Fmoc-FuF, but not Fmoc-FF, hydrogel presents a range of functionalities useful for other applications, including antifouling, slow release of urea encapsulated in the gel at a high concentration, selective mechanical response to fluoride anions, and reduction of metal ions into catalytic nanoparticles. This study demonstrates how a simple backbone modification can enhance the mechanical properties and functional scope of a peptide hydrogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasantha Basavalingappa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyGeorge S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Tom Guterman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyGeorge S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Yiming Tang
- Department of PhysicsState Key Laboratory of Surface PhysicsKey Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE),and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing)Fudan UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Sivan Nir
- Institute of ChemistryThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalem91905Israel
| | - Jiangtao Lei
- Department of PhysicsState Key Laboratory of Surface PhysicsKey Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE),and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing)Fudan UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Priyadarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyGeorge S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Lee Schnaider
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyGeorge S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
| | - Meital Reches
- Institute of ChemistryThe Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalem91905Israel
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of PhysicsState Key Laboratory of Surface PhysicsKey Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE),and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing)Fudan UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and BiotechnologyGeorge S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv69978Israel
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Baek K, Noblett AD, Ren P, Suggs LJ. Design and Characterization of Nucleopeptides for Hydrogel Self-Assembly. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:2812-2821. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kiheon Baek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Alexander D. Noblett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Pengyu Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Laura J. Suggs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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41
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Ghosh M, Halperin-Sternfeld M, Grinberg I, Adler-Abramovich L. Injectable Alginate-Peptide Composite Hydrogel as a Scaffold for Bone Tissue Regeneration. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E497. [PMID: 30939729 PMCID: PMC6523611 DOI: 10.3390/nano9040497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The high demand for tissue engineering scaffolds capable of inducing bone regeneration using minimally invasive techniques prompts the need for the development of new biomaterials. Herein, we investigate the ability of Alginate incorporated with the fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-diphenylalanine (FmocFF) peptide composite hydrogel to serve as a potential biomaterial for bone regeneration. We demonstrate that the incorporation of the self-assembling peptide, FmocFF, in sodium alginate leads to the production of a rigid, yet injectable, hydrogel without the addition of cross-linking agents. Scanning electron microscopy reveals a nanofibrous structure which mimics the natural bone extracellular matrix. The formed composite hydrogel exhibits thixotropic behavior and a high storage modulus of approximately 10 kPA, as observed in rheological measurements. The in vitro biocompatibility tests carried out with MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells demonstrate good cell viability and adhesion to the hydrogel fibers. This composite scaffold can induce osteogenic differentiation and facilitate calcium mineralization, as shown by Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity and RT-PCR analysis. The high biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties and similarity to the native extracellular matrix suggest the utilization of this hydrogel as a temporary three-dimensional cellular microenvironment promoting bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Ghosh
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Michal Halperin-Sternfeld
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Itzhak Grinberg
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
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42
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Chakraborty P, Guterman T, Adadi N, Yadid M, Brosh T, Adler-Abramovich L, Dvir T, Gazit E. A Self-Healing, All-Organic, Conducting, Composite Peptide Hydrogel as Pressure Sensor and Electrogenic Cell Soft Substrate. ACS NANO 2019; 13:163-175. [PMID: 30588802 PMCID: PMC6420063 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b05067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Conducting polymer hydrogels (CPHs) emerge as excellent functional materials, as they harness the advantages of conducting polymers with the mechanical properties and continuous 3D nanostructures of hydrogels. This bicomponent organization results in soft, all-organic, conducting micro-/nanostructures with multifarious material applications. However, the application of CPHs as functional materials for biomedical applications is currently limited due to the necessity to combine the features of biocompatibility, self-healing, and fine-tuning of the mechanical properties. To overcome this issue, we choose to combine a protected dipeptide as the supramolecular gelator, owing to its intrinsic biocompatibility and excellent gelation ability, with the conductive polymer polyaniline (PAni), which was polymerized in situ. Thus, a two-component, all-organic, conducting hydrogel was formed. Spectroscopic evidence reveals the formation of the emeraldine salt form of PAni by intrinsic doping. The composite hydrogel is mechanically rigid with a very high storage modulus ( G') value of ∼2 MPa, and the rigidity was tuned by changing the peptide concentration. The hydrogel exhibits ohmic conductivity, pressure sensitivity, and, importantly, self-healing features. By virtue of its self-healing property, the polymeric nonmetallic hydrogel can reinstate its intrinsic conductivity when two of its macroscopically separated blocks are rejoined. High cell viability of cardiomyocytes grown on the composite hydrogel demonstrates its noncytotoxicity. These combined attributes of the hydrogel allowed its utilization for dynamic range pressure sensing and as a conductive interface for electrogenic cardiac cells. The composite hydrogel supports cardiomyocyte organization into a spontaneously contracting system. The composite hydrogel thus has considerable potential for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tom Guterman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Nofar Adadi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Moran Yadid
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tamar Brosh
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tal Dvir
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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43
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Nitric Oxide Release from Antimicrobial Peptide Hydrogels for Wound Healing. Biomolecules 2018; 9:biom9010004. [PMID: 30583486 PMCID: PMC6359012 DOI: 10.3390/biom9010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenously produced molecule that has been implicated in several wound healing mechanisms. Its topical delivery may improve healing in acute or chronic wounds. In this study an antimicrobial peptide was synthesized which self-assembled upon a pH shift, forming a hydrogel. The peptide was chemically functionalized to incorporate a NO-donor moiety on lysine residues. The extent of the reaction was measured by ninhydrin assay and the NO release rate was quantified via the Griess reaction method. The resulting compound was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, and its effect on collagen production by fibroblasts was assessed. Time-kill curves point to an initial increase in bactericidal activity of the functionalized peptide, and collagen production by human dermal fibroblasts when incubated with the NO-functionalized peptide showed a dose-dependent increase in the presence of the NO donor within a range of 0⁻20 μM.
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44
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Yu S, Shan R, Sun GY, Chen T, Wu L, Jin LY. Construction of Various Supramolecular Assemblies from Rod-Coil Molecules Containing Biphenyl and Anthracene Groups Driven by Donor-Acceptor Interactions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:22529-22536. [PMID: 29893113 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Rod-coil amphiphilic functional molecules, comprising a rigid aromatic building block and hydrophilic oligoether dendrons as the coil segments, were synthesized. These compounds exhibit a powerful self-organizing ability to form supramolecular nanoparticles and long nanofibers in tetrahydrofuran/water solution, by controlling the intermolecular interaction of the rigid blocks. These molecules are able to form supramolecular polymers and, subsequently, to form sheetlike nanoaggregates, through charge-transfer interactions by the addition of a guest molecule, tetracyanoquinodimethane. Notably, upon addition of water-soluble 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, the self-assembly of these molecules exhibits the antagonistic effect owing to donor-acceptor and hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions among the molecules. The experimental results reveal that various morphologies of rod-coil molecular assemblies can be obtained by tuning the molecular interaction and the hydrophilicity of guest electron-acceptor molecules. Interestingly, the cross-coupling reaction between phenylboronic acid and chlorobenzene occurs within the charge complexes of these molecular aggregates. This occurs in the nanoenvironment that affords an extremely concentrated reaction zone and reduces the activation energy barrier required for the cross-coupling reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengsheng Yu
- Key Laboratory for Organism Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, and Department of Chemistry, College of Science , Yanbian University , Yanji 133002 , P. R. China
| | - Rui Shan
- Key Laboratory for Organism Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, and Department of Chemistry, College of Science , Yanbian University , Yanji 133002 , P. R. China
| | - Guang-Yan Sun
- Key Laboratory for Organism Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, and Department of Chemistry, College of Science , Yanbian University , Yanji 133002 , P. R. China
| | - Tie Chen
- Key Laboratory for Organism Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, and Department of Chemistry, College of Science , Yanbian University , Yanji 133002 , P. R. China
| | - Lixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials , Jilin University , Changchun 130012 , P. R. China
| | - Long Yi Jin
- Key Laboratory for Organism Resources of the Changbai Mountain and Functional Molecules, and Department of Chemistry, College of Science , Yanbian University , Yanji 133002 , P. R. China
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45
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Iglesias D, Melle-Franco M, Kurbasic M, Melchionna M, Abrami M, Grassi M, Prato M, Marchesan S. Oxidized Nanocarbons-Tripeptide Supramolecular Hydrogels: Shape Matters! ACS NANO 2018; 12:5530-5538. [PMID: 29787672 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Short peptide hydrogels are attractive biomaterials but typically suffer from limited mechanical properties. Inclusion of other nanomaterials can serve the dual purpose of hydrogel reinforcement and of conferring additional physicochemical properties ( e. g., self-healing, conductivity), as long as they do not hamper peptide self-assembly. In particular, nanocarbons are ideal candidates, and their physicochemical properties have demonstrated great potential in nanocarbon-polymer gel biomaterials for tissue engineering or drug delivery. Recently, increasing interest in supramolecular hydrogels drove research also on their enhancement with nanocarbons. However, little is known on the effect of nanocarbon morphology on the self-assembly of short peptides, which are among the most popular hydrogel building blocks. In this work, three different oxidized nanocarbons ( i. e., carbon nanotube or CNT as 1D material, graphene oxide sheet or GO as 2D material, and carbon nanohorn or CNH as 3D material) were evaluated for their effects on the self-assembly of the unprotected tripeptide Leu-DPhe-DPhe at physiological conditions. Supramolecular hydrogels were obtained in all cases, and viscoelastic properties were clearly affected by the nanocarbons, which increased stiffness and resistance to applied stress. Notably, self-healing behavior was observed only in the case of CNTs. Tripeptide-nanotube interaction was noted already in solution prior to self-assembly, with the tripeptide acting as a dispersing agent in phosphate buffer. Experimental and in silico investigation of the interaction between peptide and CNTs suggests that the latter acts as nucleation templates for self-assembly and reassembly. Overall, we provide useful insights for the future design of composite biomaterials with acquired properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Iglesias
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche , Università di Trieste , Via L. Giorgieri 1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
| | | | - Marina Kurbasic
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche , Università di Trieste , Via L. Giorgieri 1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
| | - Michele Melchionna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche , Università di Trieste , Via L. Giorgieri 1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
| | - Michela Abrami
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Architettura , Università di Trieste , V. Valerio 6/1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria e Architettura , Università di Trieste , V. Valerio 6/1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
| | - Maurizio Prato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche , Università di Trieste , Via L. Giorgieri 1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
- Carbon Nanobiotechnology Laboratory , CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 20009 Donostia-San Sebastian , Spain
- Basque Foundation for Science , Ikerbasque , Bilbao 48013 , Spain
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche , Università di Trieste , Via L. Giorgieri 1 , 34127 Trieste , Italy
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46
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Arnon ZA, Pinotsi D, Schmidt M, Gilead S, Guterman T, Sadhanala A, Ahmad S, Levin A, Walther P, Kaminski CF, Fändrich M, Schierle GSK, Adler-Abramovich L, Shimon LJW, Gazit E. Opal-like Multicolor Appearance of Self-Assembled Photonic Array. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:20783-20789. [PMID: 29842782 PMCID: PMC6358003 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b04912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Molecular self-assembly of short peptide building blocks leads to the formation of various material architectures that may possess unique physical properties. Recent studies had confirmed the key role of biaromaticity in peptide self-assembly, with the diphenylalanine (FF) structural family as an archetypal model. Another significant direction in the molecular engineering of peptide building blocks is the use of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) modification, which promotes the assembly process and may result in nanostructures with distinctive features and macroscopic hydrogel with supramolecular features and nanoscale order. Here, we explored the self-assembly of the protected, noncoded fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-β,β-diphenyl-Ala-OH (Fmoc-Dip) amino acid. This process results in the formation of elongated needle-like crystals with notable aromatic continuity. By altering the assembly conditions, arrays of spherical particles were formed that exhibit strong light scattering. These arrays display vivid coloration, strongly resembling the appearance of opal gemstones. However, unlike the Rayleigh scattering effect produced by the arrangement of opal, the described optical phenomenon is attributed to Mie scattering. Moreover, by controlling the solution evaporation rate, i.e., the assembly kinetics, we were able to manipulate the resulting coloration. This work demonstrates a bottom-up approach, utilizing self-assembly of a protected amino acid minimal building block, to create arrays of organic, light-scattering colorful surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar A. Arnon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Dorothea Pinotsi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Sharon Gilead
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tom Guterman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Aditya Sadhanala
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Shahab Ahmad
- Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FS, United Kingdom
| | - Aviad Levin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Paul Walther
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Clemens F. Kaminski
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Fändrich
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | | | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Linda J. W. Shimon
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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47
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Abstract
Self-assembled peptide nanostructures have been increasingly exploited as functional materials for applications in biomedicine and energy. The emergent properties of these nanomaterials determine the applications for which they can be exploited. It has recently been appreciated that nanomaterials composed of multicomponent coassembled peptides often display unique emergent properties that have the potential to dramatically expand the functional utility of peptide-based materials. This review presents recent efforts in the development of multicomponent peptide assemblies. The discussion includes multicomponent assemblies derived from short low molecular weight peptides, peptide amphiphiles, coiled coil peptides, collagen, and β-sheet peptides. The design, structure, emergent properties, and applications for these multicomponent assemblies are presented in order to illustrate the potential of these formulations as sophisticated next-generation bio-inspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Raymond
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627-0216, USA.
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48
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Synthesis, Characterization, and Self-Assembly of a Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)–Triglycyl Derivative. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app8050671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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49
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Chen J, Tao N, Fang S, Chen Z, Liang L, Sun X, Li J, Liu YN. Incorporation of Fmoc-Y nanofibers into Ca-alginate hydrogels for improving their mechanical properties and the controlled release of small molecules. NEW J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8nj00729b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A robust interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel was assembled from calcium alginate and Fmoc-tyrosine for the controlled release of small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Na Tao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Shiqi Fang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Zewen Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Li Liang
- State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology
- School of Food Science and Technology
- Jiangnan University
- Wuxi
- P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyi Sun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - You-Nian Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
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Ji W, Qin M, Feng C. Photoresponsive Coumarin-Based Supramolecular Hydrogel for Controllable Dye Release. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201700398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ji
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Minggao Qin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Chuanliang Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; 800 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200240 China
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