Switchable binding affinity of mannose tethered to collagen peptide by temperature-dependent triple-helix formation

Near-Infrared-Responsive Peptide that Targets Collagen Fibrils to Induce Cytotoxicity

A novel conjugate, PHG10 dye, was synthesized using a collagen peptide and a near-infrared (NIR)-responsive dye to achieve targeted cytotoxicity. The collagen peptide motif, -(Pro-Hyp-Gly)10 - (PHG10), was incorporated for targeting collagen fibrils that are excessively produced by activated fibroblasts around tumor cells. PHG10 dye was purified by HPLC and identified by MALDI-MS. The phototoxicity and cytotoxicity of PHG10 dye were examined using human glioma cells (HGCs). Fluorescent images indicated that PHG10 dye preferably assembled to collagen-coated HGCs compared with noncoated HGCs. Under irradiation with NIR light, effective cytotoxicity was observed on collagen-coated HGCs within 20 min. Because phototoxicity and cytotoxicity are dependent on the assembled amount of PHG10 dye, the targeting of collagen fibrils by the collagen peptide motif PHG10 is assured.

Non-covalent photo-patterning of gelatin matrices using caged collagen mimetic peptides

To address the downside of conventional photo-patterning which can alter the chemical composition of protein scaffolds, we developed a non-covalent photo-patterning strategy for gelatin (denatured collagen) hydrogels that utilizes UV activated triple helical hybridization of caged collagen mimetic peptide (caged CMP). Here we present 2D and 3D photo-patterning of gelatin hydrogels enabled by the caged CMP derivatives, as well as creation of concentration gradients of CMPs. CMP's specificity for binding to gelatin allows patterning of almost any synthetic or natural gelatin-containing matrix, such as gelatin-methacrylate hydrogels and corneal tissues. This is a radically new tool for immobilizing drugs to natural tissues and for functionalizing scaffolds for complex tissue formation.

Targeting and mimicking collagens via triple helical peptide assembly

As the major structural component of the extracellular matrix, collagen plays a crucial role in tissue development and regeneration. Since structural and metabolic abnormalities of collagen are associated with numerous debilitating diseases and pathologic conditions, the ability to target collagens of diseased tissues could lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics. Collagen is also a natural biomaterial widely used in drug delivery and tissue engineering, and construction of synthetic collagen-like materials is gaining interests in the biomaterials community. The unique triple helical structure of collagen has been explored for targeting collagen strands, and for engineering collagen-like functional assemblies and conjugates. This review focuses on the forefront of research activities in the use of the collagen mimetic peptide for both targeting and mimicking collagens via its triple helix mediated strand hybridization and higher order assembly.