Peptide Self-Assembled Nanocarriers for Cancer Drug Delivery

Long Stability of Atomically Precise Red Emissive Copper Nanoclusters within the Gel and Their Use As a Potential Catalyst and Fluorescent Ink

Herein, an amphiphile-based hydrogel (with 5% DMF) containing natural amino acid residue has been used to prepare and stabilize red-emitting CuNCs for several months. Though different methods have been attempted, amphiphile and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA)-containing hydrogels are pinpointed to be the base medium to stabilize this new Cu-cluster. From a MALDI-TOF MS analysis it was found that it is a Cu8-atom cluster stabilized by three 4-MBA ligands. Copper acetate monohydrate (Cu(CH3COO)2·H2O) has been used as a copper precursor, and l-ascorbic acid has been used as a reducing agent. FEG-TEM analysis shows that the Cu cluster has an average size of 2.83 nm. Interestingly, these clusters can be used as a fluorescent ink with a visibility of the solid state under a UV-lamp with an excitation of 365 nm. This envisaged applying these CuNCs for anticounterfeiting. These Cu-clusters show an excitation of 420 nm with an emission of 620 nm, as is evident from the fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. Based on our knowledge, this is the first example of making and consequently stabilizing Cu-clusters using hydrogel as a template for a few months. Moreover, these CuNCs can also be used as a catalyst for the reduction of nitro derivatives to their amine derivatives in aqueous medium.

Toward the Integration of Machine Learning and Molecular Modeling for Designing Drug Delivery Nanocarriers

The pioneering work on liposomes in the 1960s and subsequent research in controlled drug release systems significantly advances the development of nanocarriers (NCs) for drug delivery. This field is evolved to include a diverse array of nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and more, each tailored to specific therapeutic applications. Despite significant achievements, the clinical translation of nanocarriers is limited, primarily due to the low efficiency of drug delivery and an incomplete understanding of nanocarrier interactions with biological systems. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration and a deep understanding of the nano-bio interface. To enhance nanocarrier design, scientists employ both physics-based and data-driven models. Physics-based models provide detailed insights into chemical reactions and interactions at atomic and molecular scales, while data-driven models leverage machine learning to analyze large datasets and uncover hidden mechanisms. The integration of these models presents challenges such as harmonizing different modeling approaches and ensuring model validation and generalization across biological systems. However, this integration is crucial for developing effective and targeted nanocarrier systems. By integrating these approaches with enhanced data infrastructure, explainable AI, computational advances, and machine learning potentials, researchers can develop innovative nanomedicine solutions, ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes.

Enhanced circularly polarized luminescence attained via self-assembly of heterochiral as opposed to homochiral dipeptides in water

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is gaining interest across various disciplines, including materials science, pharmaceuticals, and sensing technologies. Organic molecules, due to their ease of synthesis and reduced toxicity, are a focus for achieving high dissymmetry values (g lum) in CPL. Here, we present a low molecular weight molecule (1), a dipeptide (Ala-Phe) covalently linked with tetraphenyl-ethylene (TPE), an Aggregation-Induced Emission luminophore (AIE-gen). Varying the stereochemistry of amino acid chiral centers, we synthesized homochiral 1-(l, l) & 1-(d, d) and heterochiral 1-(l, d) and 1-(d, l). In aqueous media, these molecules exhibit aggregation-induced chirality at the TPE chromophore. Heterochiral systems form sheet-like structures, displaying a bisignate induced circular dichroism signal and a good g lum value for CPL [7.5 (±0.04) × 10-3]. Conversely, homochiral systems adopt fibrillar morphology, exhibiting a monosignate induced circular dichroism signal with a lower dissymmetry value for CPL [1.3 (±0.05) × 10-3]. This study introduces the concept of chiroptical amplification, emphasizing enhanced CPL through heterochiral peptide-induced CPL compared to its homochiral counterpart, with an ON and OFF CPL signal at low and high temperature respectively.

Magnetically Induced Thermal Effects on Tobacco Mosaic Virus-Based Nanocomposites for a Programmed Disassembly of Protein Cages

Protein cages are promising tools for the controlled delivery of therapeutics and imaging agents when endowed with programmable disassembly strategies. Here, we produced hybrid nanocomposites made of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), designed to disrupt the viral protein cages using magnetically induced release of heat. We studied the effects of this magnetic hyperthermia on the programmable viral protein capsid disassembly using (1) elongated nanocomposites of TMV coated heterogeneously with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (TMV@IONPs) and (2) spherical nanocomposites of polystyrene (PS) on which we deposited presynthesized IONPs and TMV via layer-by-layer self-assembly (PS@IONPs/TMV). Notably, we found that the extent of the disassembly of the protein cages is contingent upon the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the magnetic nanoparticles, that is, the heating efficiency, and the relative position of the protein cage within the nanocomposite concerning the heating sources. This implies that the spatial arrangement of components within the hybrid nanostructure has a significant impact on the disassembly process. Understanding and optimizing this relationship will contribute to the critical spatiotemporal control for targeted drug and gene delivery using protein cages.

Peptide-functionalized, -assembled and -loaded nanoparticles in cancer therapy

The combination of peptides and nanoparticles in cancer therapy has shown synergistic results. Nanoparticle functionalization with peptides can increase their targeting ability towards tumor cells. In some cases, the peptides can develop self-assembled nanoparticles, in combination with drugs, for targeted cancer therapy. The peptides can be loaded into nanoparticles and can be delivered by other drugs for synergistic cancer removal. Multifunctional types of peptide-based nanoparticles, including pH- and redox-sensitive classes, have been introduced in cancer therapy. The tumor microenvironment remolds, and the acceleration of immunotherapy and vaccines can be provided by peptide nanoparticles. Moreover, the bioimaging and labeling of cancers can be mediated by peptide nanoparticles. Therefore, peptides can functionalize nanoparticles in targeted cancer therapy.

Small Peptide-Based Nanodelivery Systems for Cancer Therapy and Diagnosis

Developing nano-biomaterials with tunable topology, size, and surface characteristics has shown tremendously favorable benefits in various biologic and clinical applications. Among various nano-biomaterials, peptide-based drug delivery systems offer multiple merits over other synthetic systems due to their enhanced bio- and cytocompatibility and desirable biochemical and biophysical properties. Currently, around 100 peptide-based drugs are clinically available for numerous therapeutic purposes. In conjugation with chemotherapeutic moieties, peptides demonstrate a remarkable ability to reduce nonspecific drug effects by improving drug targetability at cancer sites. This review encompasses a wide-ranging role played by different peptide-based nanostructures in cancer theranostics. Section 1 introduces the rising concern about cancer as a disease and further describes peptide-based nanomaterials as biomedical agents to tackle the ailment. The subsequent section explores the mechanistic pathways behind the self-assembly of peptides to form hierarchically distinct assemblies. The crux of our review lies in an exhaustive exploration of the applications of various types of peptide-based nanostructures in cancer therapy and diagnosis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Peptide-based drug delivery systems possess superior biocompatibility, biochemical, and biophysical properties compared to other synthetic alternatives. The development of these nano-biomaterials with customizable topology, size, and surface characteristics have shown promising outcomes in biomedical contexts. Peptides in conjunction with chemotherapeutic agents exhibit the ability to enhance drug targetability at cancer sites, reducing nonspecific drug effects. This comprehensive review emphasizes the pivotal role of diverse peptide-based nanostructures as cancer theranostics, elucidating their potential in revolutionizing cancer therapy and diagnosis.

Mechanism of Peptide Self-assembly and Its Study in Biomedicine

The development of peptide-based materials is one of the most challenging aspects of biomaterials research in recent years. The assembly of peptides is mainly controlled by forces such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, and π-π accumulation. Peptides have unique advantages such as simple structure, easy synthesis, good biocompatibility, non-toxicity, easy modification, etc. These factors make peptides turn into ideal biomedical materials, and they have a broad application prospect in biomedical materials, and thus have received wide attention. In this review, the mechanism and classification of peptide self-assembly and its applications in biomedicine and hydrogels were introduced.

Self-Assembly of Peptides as an Alluring Approach toward Cancer Treatment and Imaging

Cancer is a severe threat to humans, as it is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases and still poses the biggest challenge in the world of medicine. Due to its higher mortality rates and resistance, it requires a more focused and productive approach to provide the solution for it. Many therapies promising to deliver favorable results, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have come up with more negatives than positives. Therefore, a new class of medicinal solutions and a more targeted approach is of the essence. This review highlights the alluring properties, configurations, and self-assembly of peptide molecules which benefit the traditional approach toward cancer therapy while sparing the healthy cells in the process. As targeted drug delivery systems, self-assembled peptides offer a wide spectrum of conjugation, biocompatibility, degradability-controlled responsiveness, and biomedical applications, including cancer treatment and cancer imaging.

Co-Assembly of Cancer Drugs with Cyclo-HH Peptides: Insights from Simulations and Experiments

Peptide-based nanomaterials can serve as promising drug delivery agents, facilitating the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients while reducing the risk of adverse reactions. We previously demonstrated that Cyclo-Histidine-Histidine (Cyclo-HH), co-assembled with cancer drug Epirubicin, zinc, and nitrate ions, can constitute an attractive drug delivery system, combining drug self-encapsulation, enhanced fluorescence, and the ability to transport the drug into cells. Here, we investigated both computationally and experimentally whether Cyclo-HH could co-assemble, in the presence of zinc and nitrate ions, with other cancer drugs with different physicochemical properties. Our studies indicated that Methotrexate, in addition to Epirubicin and its epimer Doxorubicin, and to a lesser extent Mitomycin-C and 5-Fluorouracil, have the capacity to co-assemble with Cyclo-HH, zinc, and nitrate ions, while a significantly lower propensity was observed for Cisplatin. Epirubicin, Doxorubicin, and Methorexate showed improved drug encapsulation and drug release properties, compared to Mitomycin-C and 5-Fluorouracil. We demonstrated the biocompatibility of the co-assembled systems, as well as their ability to intracellularly release the drugs, particularly for Epirubicin, Doxorubicin, and Methorexate. Zinc and nitrate were shown to be important in the co-assembly, coordinating with drugs and/or Cyclo-HH, thereby enabling drug-peptide as well as drug-drug interactions in successfully formed nanocarriers. The insights could be used in the future design of advanced cancer therapeutic systems with improved properties.

Cationic and amphiphilic peptide-based hydrogels with dual activities as anticancer and antibacterial agents

The emergence of peptide-based functional biomaterials is on the rise. To fulfil this purpose, a series of amphiphilic peptides, such as H2N-X-Met-Phe-C12H25, where X = L-lysine (CP1), X = L-histidine (CP2), and X = L-leucine (CP3), have been designed, synthesised, purified and fully characterised. Herein, we reported peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels with antibacterial and anticancer activities. An attempt has been made to investigate the antibacterial properties of these peptide-based hydrogels against Gram-positive (S. aureus and B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacteria. Investigations show that the L-lysine containing gelator, CP1, is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the L-histidine containing gelator, CP2, selectively inhibits the growth of Gram-negative bacteria. Interestingly, the L-leucine containing gelator, CP3, does not show any antibacterial properties. Moreover, the L-lysine containing gelator exhibits the best potency. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a probable way to damage the bacterial membrane. To explore the cytotoxic properties and to determine the efficacy of the synthesized compounds in inhibiting cell viability, a comprehensive investigation was performed using three distinct cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (human triple-negative breast cancer), MDA-MB-468 (human triple-negative breast cancer) and HEK 293 (human embryonic kidney). Remarkably, the results of our study revealed a substantial cytotoxic impact of these peptide gelators on the MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines in comparison to the HEK 293 cells. Caspase 3/7 activity is the possible mechanistic path to determine the apoptotic rates of the cell lines. This finding emphasizes the promising potential of these peptide-based gelators in targeting and suppressing the growth of human triple negative breast cancer cells, while showing non-cytotoxicity towards non-cancerous HEK 293 cells. In a nutshell, these peptide-based materials are coming to light as next generation biomaterials.

Aflibercept Loaded Eye-Drop Hydrogel Mediated with Cell-Penetrating Peptide for Corneal Neovascularization Treatment

Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. Currently, available treatment options have limited efficacy and are associated with adverse effects due to biological barriers and clearance mechanisms. To address this challenge, a novel topical delivery system is developed-Gel 2_1&Eylea-an aflibercept-loaded eye-drop hydrogel mediated with cell-penetrating peptide 1. Gel 2_1&Eylea demonstrates superior membrane permeability, increased stability, and prolonged drug retention time on the ocular surface, and thus may improve drug efficacy. In a rabbit CoNV model, Gel 2_1&Eylea significantly reduces the density of neovascularization with no adverse effects on normal corneoscleral limbal vessels, demonstrating high efficacy and biocompatibility. This work identifies a promising treatment for CoNV which has the potential to benefit other ocular neovascular diseases.

Organic and Biogenic Nanocarriers as Bio-Friendly Systems for Bioactive Compounds' Delivery: State-of-the Art and Challenges

"Green" strategies to build up novel organic nanocarriers with bioperformance are modern trends in nanotechnology. In this way, the valorization of bio-wastes and the use of living systems to develop multifunctional organic and biogenic nanocarriers (OBNs) have revolutionized the nanotechnological and biomedical fields. This paper is a comprehensive review related to OBNs for bioactives' delivery, providing an overview of the reports on the past two decades. In the first part, several classes of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic role are briefly presented. A broad section is dedicated to the main categories of organic and biogenic nanocarriers. The major challenges regarding the eco-design and the fate of OBNs are suggested to overcome some toxicity-related drawbacks. Future directions and opportunities, and finding "green" solutions for solving the problems related to nanocarriers, are outlined in the final of this paper. We believe that through this review, we will capture the attention of the readers and will open new perspectives for new solutions/ideas for the discovery of more efficient and "green" ways in developing novel bioperformant nanocarriers for transporting bioactive agents.

Investigating the complexation propensity of self-assembling dipeptides with the anticancer peptide-drug Bortezomib: a computational study

The investigation of potential self-assembled peptides as carriers for the delivery of anticancer drug Bortezomib is the topic of the present study. The self-assembly of Bortezomib in water is examined using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and corresponding experimental results from FESEM experiments. In addition, a series of dipeptides with a similar chemical formula to Bortezomib with hydrogel-forming ability are being investigated for their propensity to bind to the drug molecule. Dipeptides are divided into two classes, the protected FF (Fmoc-FF and Z-FF) and the LF-based (Cyclo-LF and LF) ones. The thermodynamic stability of the complexes formed in an aqueous environment, as well as key morphological features of the nanoassemblies are investigated at the molecular level. Binding enthalpy between Bortezomib and dipeptides follows the increasing order: LF < Cyclo-LF < Fmoc-FF < Z-FF under both van der Waals and electrostatic contributions. Protected FF dipeptides have a higher affinity for the drug molecule, which will favor its entrapment, giving them an edge over the LF based dipeptides. By evaluating the various measures, regarding both the binding between the two components and the eventual ability of controlled drug release, we conclude that the protected FF class is a more suitable candidate for drug release of Bortezomib, whereas among its two members, Fmoc-FF appears to be more promising. The selection of the optimal candidates based on the present computational study will be a stepping stone for future detailed experimental studies involving the encapsulation and controlled release of Bortezomib both in vitro and in vivo.

An Overview of Supramolecular Platforms Boosting Drug Delivery

Numerous supramolecular platforms inspired by natural self-assembly are exploited as drug delivery systems. The spontaneous arrangement of single building blocks into inorganic and organic structures is determined and controlled by noncovalent forces such as electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals interactions. This review describes the main structures and characteristics of several building blocks used to obtain stable, self-assembling nanostructures tailored for numerous biological applications. Owing to their versatility, biocompatibility, and controllability, these nanostructures find application in diverse fields ranging from drug/gene delivery, theranostics, tissue engineering, and nanoelectronics. Herein, we described the different approaches used to design and functionalize these nanomaterials to obtain selective drug delivery in a specific disease. In particular, the review highlights the efficiency of these supramolecular structures in applications related to infectious diseases and cancer.

Effect of molar ratio and concentration on the rheological properties of two-component supramolecular hydrogels: tuning of the morphological and drug releasing behaviour

Self-assembled supramolecular hydrogels offer great potential as biomaterials and drug delivery systems. Specifically, peptide-based multicomponent hydrogels are promising materials due to their advantage that their mechanical and physical properties can be tuned to enhance their functionalities and broaden their applications. Herein, we report two-component assembly and formation of hydrogels containing inexpensive complementary anionic, BUVV-OH (A), and cationic, KFFC12 (B), peptide amphiphiles. Individually, neither of these components formed a hydrogel, while mixtures with compositions 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 2 : 1 (molar ratio) as A : B show hydrogel formation (Milli-Q water, at pH = 6.79). These hydrogels displayed a good shear-thinning behaviour with different mechanical stabilities and nano-fibrous network structures. The 1 : 1 hydrogel shows good cell viability for human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells and CHO cells indicating its non-cytotoxicity. The biocompatible, thixotropic 1 : 1 hydrogel with a nanofiber network structure shows the highest mechanical strength with a storage modulus of 3.4 × 103 Pa. The hydrogel is able to encapsulate drugs including antibiotics amoxicillin and rifampicin, and anticancer drug doxorubicin, and it exhibits sustainable release of 76%, 70%, and 81% respectively in vitro after 3 days. The other two mixtures (composition 1 : 2 and 2 : 1) are unable to form a hydrogel when they are loaded with these drugs. Interestingly, it is noticed that with an increase in concentration, the mechanical strength of a 1 : 1 hydrogel is significantly enhanced, showing potential that may act as a scaffold for tissue engineering. The two-component gel offers tunable mechanical properties, thixotropy, injectability, and biocompatibility and has great potential as a scaffold for sustained drug release and tissue engineering.

Recent Advances in the Development of Biomimetic Materials

In this review, we focused on recent efforts in the design and development of materials with biomimetic properties. Innovative methods promise to emulate cell microenvironments and tissue functions, but many aspects regarding cellular communication, motility, and responsiveness remain to be explained. We photographed the state-of-the-art advancements in biomimetics, and discussed the complexity of a "bottom-up" artificial construction of living systems, with particular highlights on hydrogels, collagen-based composites, surface modifications, and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting applications. Fast-paced 3D printing and artificial intelligence, nevertheless, collide with reality: How difficult can it be to build reproducible biomimetic materials at a real scale in line with the complexity of living systems? Nowadays, science is in urgent need of bioengineering technologies for the practical use of bioinspired and biomimetics for medicine and clinics.

Hydrogen-Bond-Driven Peptide Nanotube Formation: A DFT Study

DFT calculations were carried out to examine geometries and binding energies of H-bond-driven peptide nanotubes. A bolaamphiphile molecule, consisting of two N-α amido glycylglycine head groups linked by either one CH2 group or seven CH2 groups, is used as a building block for nanotube self-assembly. In addition to hydrogen bonds between adjacent carboxy or amide groups, nanotube formation is also driven by weak C-H· · ·O hydrogen bonds between a methylene group and the carboxy OH group, and between a methylene group and an amide O=C group. The intratubular O-H· · ·O=C hydrogen bonds account for approximately a third of the binding energies. Binding energies calculated with the wB97XD/DGDZVP method show that the hydrocarbon chains play a stabilizing role in nanotube self-assembly. The shortest nanotube has the length of a single monomer and a diameter than increases with the number of monomers. Lengthening of the tubular structure occurs through intertubular O-H· · ·O=C hydrogen bonds. The average intertubular O-H· · ·O=C hydrogen bond binding energy is estimated to change with the size of the nanotubes, decreasing slightly towards some plateau value near 15 kcal/mol according to the wB97XD/DGDZVP method.

Utilization of Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework Nanoparticle as Targeted Drug Delivery System for Cancer Therapy

Cancer is a multifaceted disease that results from the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Cancer is a mortal disease with the biggest clinical, societal, and economic burden. Research on better methods of the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer is crucial. Recent advancements in material science have led to the development of metal–organic frameworks, also known as MOFs. MOFs have recently been established as promising and adaptable delivery platforms and target vehicles for cancer therapy. These MOFs have been constructed in a fashion that offers them the capability of drug release that is stimuli-responsive. This feature has the potential to be exploited for cancer therapy that is externally led. This review presents an in-depth summary of the research that has been conducted to date in the field of MOF-based nanoplatforms for cancer therapeutics.