1
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Diaferia C, Gallo E, Cimmino L, Laurenzi V, De Marco A, Morelli G, Stornaiuolo M, Accardo A. Fluorescence of Aggregated Aromatic Peptides for Studying the Kinetics of Aggregation and Hardening of Amyloid-like Structures. Chemistry 2024:e202401998. [PMID: 38962903 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The capability of amyloid-like peptide fibers to emit intrinsic-fluorescence enables the study of their formation, stability and hardening through time-resolved fluorescence analysis, without the need for additional intercalating dyes. This approach allows the monitoring of amyloid-like peptides aggregation kinetics using minimal sample volumes, and the simultaneous testing of numerous experimental conditions and analytes, offering rapid and reproducible results. The analytical procedure applied to the aromatic hexapeptide F6, alone or derivatized with PEG (polyethylene glycol) moiety of different lengths, suggests that aggregation into large anisotropic structures negatively correlates with initial monomer concentration and relies on the presence of charged N- and C-termini. PEGylation reduces the extent of aggregates hardening, possibly by retaining water, and overall impacts the final structural properties of the aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Gallo
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
| | - Luca Cimmino
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN, Via Gianturco 113, Naples, 80143, Italy
| | - Valentina Laurenzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Agostino De Marco
- Department of Industrial Engineering - Aerospace Division, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Claudio 21, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", CIRPeB "Carlo Pedone", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
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2
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Fouladgar F, Zadeh Moslabeh FG, Kasani YV, Rogozinski N, Torres M, Ecker M, Yang H, Yang Y, Habibi N. Mesenchymal stem cells aligned and stretched in self-assembling peptide hydrogels. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23953. [PMID: 38234902 PMCID: PMC10792194 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The presented research highlights a novel approach using fmoc-protected peptide hydrogels for the encapsulation and stretching of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This study utilized a custom mechanical stretching device with a PDMS chamber to stretch human MSCs encapsulated in Fmoc hydrogels. The study assessed the influence of various solvents on the self-assembly and mechanical properties of the hydrogels, and MSC viability and alignment. Particularly we focused on fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFP), and deionized water (DiH2O). Through molecular self-assembly of the peptide sequence into β-sheets connected by π-π aromatic stacking of F-F groups, the peptide hydrogel was found to form a stiff, hydrated gel with nanofiber morphology and a compressive modulus ranging from 174 to 277 Pa. Therefore, this hydrogel can mimic certain critical features of the extracellular matrix and collagen. Evaluations of MSCs cultured on the peptide hydrogels, including viability, morphology, and alignment assessments using various staining techniques, demonstrated that 3D-cultured MSCs in Fmoc-FF/HFP and Fmoc-FF/DMSO, followed by mechanical stretching, exhibited elongated morphology with distinct microfilament fibers compared to the control cells, which maintained a round and spherical F-actin shape. Notably, peptide gels with a concentration of 5 mM maintained 100 % MSC viability. The findings indicate the potential and specific conditions for successful cell encapsulation and alignment within peptide hydrogels, highlighting a promising tissue engineering platform through the encapsulation of MSCs in peptide nanofibers followed by a stretching process. By enhancing our understanding of MSC-peptide hydrogel interactions, this research contributes to the development of biomaterials tailored for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Fouladgar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Texas, United States
| | | | - Yashesh Varun Kasani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Texas, United States
| | - Nick Rogozinski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Texas, United States
| | - Marc Torres
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Texas, United States
| | - Melanie Ecker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Texas, United States
| | - Huaxiao Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Texas, United States
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Texas, United States
| | - Neda Habibi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Texas, United States
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3
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Buzzaccaro S, Ruzzi V, Gelain F, Piazza R. A Light Scattering Investigation of Enzymatic Gelation in Self-Assembling Peptides. Gels 2023; 9:gels9040347. [PMID: 37102959 PMCID: PMC10137429 DOI: 10.3390/gels9040347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-assembling peptides (SAPs) have been increasingly studied as hydrogel-former gelators because they can create biocompatible environments. A common strategy to trigger gelation, is to use a pH variation, but most methods result in a change in pH that is too rapid, leading to gels with hardly reproducible properties. Here, we use the urea-urease reaction to tune gel properties, by a slow and uniform pH increase. We were able to produce very homogeneous and transparent gels at several SAP concentrations, ranging from c=1g/L to c=10g/L. In addition, by exploiting such a pH control strategy, and combining photon correlation imaging with dynamic light scattering measurements, we managed to unravel the mechanism by which gelation occurs in solutions of (LDLK)3-based SAPs. We found that, in diluted and concentrated solutions, gelation follows different pathways. This leads to gels with different microscopic dynamics and capability of trapping nanoparticles. At high concentrations, a strong gel is formed, made of relatively thick and rigid branches that firmly entrap nanoparticles. By contrast, the gel formed in dilute conditions is weaker, characterized by entanglements and crosslinks of very thin and flexible filaments. The gel is still able to entrap nanoparticles, but their motion is not completely arrested. These different gel morphologies can potentially be exploited for controlled multiple drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Buzzaccaro
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science, and Chemical Engineering (CMIC), Politecnico di Milano, Edificio 6, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ruzzi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science, and Chemical Engineering (CMIC), Politecnico di Milano, Edificio 6, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gelain
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering, ASST GOM Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Piazza
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science, and Chemical Engineering (CMIC), Politecnico di Milano, Edificio 6, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
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4
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Wang Y, Geng Q, Zhang Y, Adler-Abramovich L, Fan X, Mei D, Gazit E, Tao K. Fmoc-diphenylalanine gelating nanoarchitectonics: A simplistic peptide self-assembly to meet complex applications. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 636:113-133. [PMID: 36623365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF), has been has been extensively explored due to its ultrafast self-assembly kinetics, inherent biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and especially, the capability of forming self-sustained gels under physiological conditions. Consequently, various methodologies to develop Fmoc-FF gels and their corresponding applications in biomedical and industrial fields have been extensively studied. Herein, we systemically summarize the mechanisms underlying Fmoc-FF self-assembly, discuss the preparation methodologies of Fmoc-FF hydrogels, and then deliberate the properties as well as the diverse applications of Fmoc-FF self-assemblies. Finally, the contemporary shortcomings which limit the development of Fmoc-FF self-assembly are raised and the alternative solutions are proposed, along with future research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Qiang Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China.
| | - Xinyuan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Deqing Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China.
| | - Kai Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China.
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5
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Almohammed S, Kanoun MB, Goumri‐Said S, Alam MW, Fularz A, Alnaim A, Rice JH, Rodriguez BJ. Thermally‐controlled spherical peptide gel architectures prepared using the
pH
switch method. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Almohammed
- School of Physics University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | | | - Souraya Goumri‐Said
- Physics Department, College of Science and General Studies Alfaisal University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Mir Waqas Alam
- Department of Physics, College of Science King Faisal University Al‐Ahsa Saudi Arabia
| | - Agata Fularz
- School of Physics University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Abdullah Alnaim
- Department of Physics, College of Science King Faisal University Al‐Ahsa Saudi Arabia
| | - James H. Rice
- School of Physics University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Brian J. Rodriguez
- School of Physics University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
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6
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Ravarino P, Panja S, Bianco S, Koev T, Wallace M, Adams DJ. Controlled Annealing in Adaptive Multicomponent Gels. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215813. [PMID: 36418223 PMCID: PMC10107119 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We use a pH-driven annealing process to convert between co-assembled and self-sorted networks in multicomponent gels. The initially formed gels at low pH are co-assembled, with the two components coexisting within the same self-assembled structures. We use an enzymatic approach to increase the pH, resulting in a gel-to-sol transition, followed by a hydrolysis to lower the pH once again. As the pH decreases, a self-sorted network is formed by a two-stage gelation process determined by the pKa of each component. This approach can be expanded to layered systems to generate many varied systems by changing composition and rates of pH change, adapting their microstructure and so allowing access to a far greater range of morphologies and complexity than can be achieved in single component systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ravarino
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santanu Panja
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Simona Bianco
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Todor Koev
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Matthew Wallace
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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7
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Diaferia C, Rosa E, Morelli G, Accardo A. Fmoc-Diphenylalanine Hydrogels: Optimization of Preparation Methods and Structural Insights. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1048. [PMID: 36145269 PMCID: PMC9505424 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels (HGs) are tri-dimensional materials with a non-Newtonian flow behaviour formed by networks able to encapsulate high amounts of water or other biological fluids. They can be prepared using both synthetic or natural polymers and their mechanical and functional properties may change according to the preparation method, the solvent, the pH, and to others experimental parameters. Recently, many short and ultra-short peptides have been investigated as building blocks for the formulation of biocompatible hydrogels suitable for different biomedical applications. Due to its simplicity and capability to gel in physiological conditions, Fmoc-FF dipeptide is one of the most studied peptide hydrogelators. Although its identification dates to 15 ago, its behaviour is currently studied because of the observation that the final material obtained is deeply dependent on the preparation method. To collect information about their formulation, here are reported some different strategies adopted until now for the Fmoc-FF HG preparation, noting the changes in the structural arrangement and behaviour in terms of stiffness, matrix porosity, and stability induced by the different formulation strategy on the final material.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy and Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
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8
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Sasidharan S, Ramakrishnan V. Aromatic interactions directing peptide nano-assembly. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 130:119-160. [PMID: 35534106 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembly is a process of spontaneous organization of molecules as a result of non-covalent interactions. Organized self-assembly at the nano level is emerging as a powerful tool in the bottom-up fabrication of functional nanostructures for targeted applications. Aromatic π-π stacking plays a significant role by facilitating the persistent supramolecular association of individual subunits to the self-assembled structures of high stability. Understanding, the supramolecular chemistry of the materials interacting through aromatic interactions, is of tremendous interest in not only constructing functional materials but also in revealing the mechanism of molecular assembly in living organisms. This chapter aims to focus on understanding the potential role of π-π interactions in directing and regulating the self-assembly of peptide nanostructures. The scope of the chapter starts with an outline of the history and mechanism of the aromatic π-π interactions. It progresses through the design strategy for the assembly of peptides containing aromatic rings, the conditions affecting the aromatic stacking interactions, their resulting nanoassemblies, properties, and applications. The properties and applications of the supramolecular materials formed through the aromatic stacking interactions are highlighted to provide an increased understanding of the role of weak interactions in the design and construction of novel functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajitha Sasidharan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Vibin Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India.
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9
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Dynamic Gelation of Conductive Polymer Nanocomposites Consisting of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) and ZnO Nanowires. JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jcs5080199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The sol–gel transition of conductive nanocomposites consisting of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and ZnO nanowires in o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) has been investigated rheologically. The physical gelation of P3HT in o-DCB spontaneously occurs upon adding the small amount of ZnO nanowires. The rheological properties of the P3HT/ZnO nanocomposite gels have been systematically studied by varying factors such as polymer concentration, nanowire loading, and temperature. The nanocomposite gel exhibits shear-thinning in the low shear rate range and shear-thickening in the high shear rate range. The elastic storage modulus of the nanocomposite gel gradually increases with gelation time and is consistently independent of frequency at all investigated ranges. The isothermal gelation kinetics has been analyzed by monitoring the storage modulus with gelation time, and the data are well fitted with a first-order rate law. The structural analysis data reveal that the polymer forms the crystalline layer coated on ZnO nanowires. A fringed micelle model is proposed to explain the possible gelation mechanism.
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10
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Braun GA, Ary BE, Dear AJ, Rohn MCH, Payson AM, Lee DSM, Parry RC, Friedman C, Knowles TPJ, Linse S, Åkerfeldt KS. On the Mechanism of Self-Assembly by a Hydrogel-Forming Peptide. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:4781-4794. [PMID: 33170649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptide-based hydrogels are a class of tunable soft materials that have been shown to be highly useful for a number of biomedical applications. The dynamic formation of the supramolecular fibrils that compose these materials has heretofore remained poorly characterized. A better understanding of this process would provide important insights into the behavior of these systems and could aid in the rational design of new peptide hydrogels. Here, we report the determination of the microscopic steps that underpin the self-assembly of a hydrogel-forming peptide, SgI37-49. Using theoretical models of linear polymerization to analyze the kinetic self-assembly data, we show that SgI37-49 fibril formation is driven by fibril-catalyzed secondary nucleation and that all the microscopic processes involved in SgI37-49 self-assembly display an enzyme-like saturation behavior. Moreover, this analysis allows us to quantify the rates of the underlying processes at different peptide concentrations and to calculate the time evolution of these reaction rates over the time course of self-assembly. We demonstrate here a new mechanistic approach for the study of self-assembling hydrogel-forming peptides, which is complementary to commonly used materials science characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A Braun
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Centre for Molecular Protein Science, Lund University, Lund SE-22100, Sweden
| | - Beatrice E Ary
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States
| | - Alexander J Dear
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.,Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Matthew C H Rohn
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States
| | - Abigail M Payson
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States
| | - David S M Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States
| | - Robert C Parry
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States
| | - Connie Friedman
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.,Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Sara Linse
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Centre for Molecular Protein Science, Lund University, Lund SE-22100, Sweden
| | - Karin S Åkerfeldt
- Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041, United States
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11
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Levine MS, Ghosh M, Hesser M, Hennessy N, DiGuiseppi DM, Adler-Abramovich L, Schweitzer-Stenner R. Formation of peptide-based oligomers in dimethylsulfoxide: identifying the precursor of fibril formation. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:7860-7868. [PMID: 32761042 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00035c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The well-studied dipeptide fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl-di-phenylalanine (FmocFF) forms a rigid hydrogel upon dissolving in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and dilution in H2O. Here, we explored the pre-aggregation of the peptide in pure DMSO by vibrational spectroscopies, X-ray powder diffraction and dynamic light scattering. Our results show an equilibrium between a dominant population of amorphous oligomers (on a length scale of 2 nm) and a small number of protofibrils/fibrils (on a length scale of 30 nm in the centimolar and of 200 nm in the sub-molar region). To probe the mechanism underlying the formation of these protofilaments, we measured the 1H-NMR, IR and visible Raman spectra of DMSO containing different FmocFF concentrations, ranging between 10 and 300 mM. Our data reveal that interpeptide hydrogen bonding leads to the self-assembly of FmocFF in the centimolar region, while π-π stacking between Fmoc-groups is observed above 100 mM. The high 3J(HNHCα) coupling constant of the N-terminal amide proton indicates that the Fmoc end-cap of the peptide locks the N-terminal residue into a conformational ensemble centered at a φ-value of ca. -120°, which corresponds to a parallel β-sheet type conformation. The 3J(HNHCα) coupling constant of the C-terminal residue is indicative of a polyproline II (pPII)/βt mixture. Our results suggest that the gelation of FmocFF caused by the addition of a small amount of water to DMSO mixtures is facilitated by the formation of disordered protofibrils in pure DMSO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Levine
- Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Moumita Ghosh
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, and The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Morgan Hesser
- Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Nathan Hennessy
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HF, United Kingdom
| | - David M DiGuiseppi
- Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, and The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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12
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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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13
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Diaferia C, Balasco N, Sibillano T, Ghosh M, Adler-Abramovich L, Giannini C, Vitagliano L, Morelli G, Accardo A. Amyloid-Like Fibrillary Morphology Originated by Tyrosine-Containing Aromatic Hexapeptides. Chemistry 2018; 24:6804-6817. [PMID: 29504716 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201800351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Phenylalanine-based nanostructures have attracted the attention of the material science community for their functional properties. These properties strongly depend on the hierarchic organization of the nanostructure that in turn can be finely tuned by punctual chemical modifications of the building blocks. Herein, we investigate how the partial or the complete replacement of the Phe residues in PEG8 -(Phe)6 (PEG8 -F6) with tyrosines to generate PEG8 -(Phe-Tyr)3 (PEG8 -(FY)3) or PEG8 -(Tyr)6 (PEG8 -Y6) affects the structural/functional properties of the nanomaterial formed by the parental compound. Moreover, the effect of the PEG derivatization was evaluated through the characterization of the peptides without the PEG moiety (Tyr)6 (Y6) and (Phe-Tyr)3 ((FY)3). Both PEG8 -Y6 and PEG8 -(FY)3 can self-assemble in water at micromolar concentrations in β-sheet-rich nanostructures. However, WAXS diffraction patterns of these compounds present significant differences. PEG8 -(FY)3 shows a 2D WAXS oriented fiber diffraction profile characterized by the concomitant presence of a 4.7 Å meridional and a 12.5 Å equatorial reflection that are generally associated with cross-β structure. On the other hand, the pattern of PEG8 -Y6 is characterized by the presence of circles typically observed in the presence of PEG crystallization. Molecular modeling and dynamics provide an atomic structural model of the peptide spine of these compounds that is in good agreement with WAXS experimental data. Gelation phenomenon was only detected for PEG8 -(FY)3 above a concentration of 1.0 wt % as confirmed by storage (G'≈100 Pa) and loss (G''≈28 Pa) moduli in rheological studies. The cell viability on CHO cells of this soft hydrogel was certified to be 90 % after 24 hours of incubation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Sibillano
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Moumita Ghosh
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Cinzia Giannini
- Institute of Crystallography (IC), CNR, Via Amendola 122, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II" and DFM Scarl, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
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14
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Castilla AM, Dietrich B, Adams DJ. Using Aggregation-Induced Emission to Understand Dipeptide Gels. Gels 2018; 4:gels4010017. [PMID: 30674793 PMCID: PMC6318689 DOI: 10.3390/gels4010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the formation of structured liquids and gels from a functionalised dipeptide based on tetraphenylethylene. Tetraphenylethylene is well-known to be able to undergo aggregation-induced emission. We use the emission data to understand the behaviour of the dipeptide in water under a variety of conditions. The dipeptide forms viscous solutions at high pH. Gels can be formed by a pH-trigger, but syneresis occurs. Addition of a calcium salt also leads to a gel with slight syneresis. Addition of sodium chloride leads to a self-supporting material, but this is not a true gel from the rheological perspective. From the emission data, we infer that there are limited structural changes on addition of sodium chloride or acid, but there are significant changes in molecular packing when the gel is formed by addition of a calcium salt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Castilla
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK.
| | - Bart Dietrich
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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15
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Dudukovic NA, Hudson BC, Paravastu AK, Zukoski CF. Self-assembly pathways and polymorphism in peptide-based nanostructures. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:1508-1516. [PMID: 29303206 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr06724k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Dipeptide derivative molecules can self-assemble into space-filling nanofiber networks at low volume fractions (<1%), allowing the formation of molecular gels with tunable mechanical properties. The self-assembly of dipeptide-based molecules is reminiscent of pathological amyloid fibril formation by naturally occurring polypeptides. Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) is the most widely studied such molecule, but the thermodynamic and kinetic phenomena giving rise to Fmoc-FF gel formation remain poorly understood. We have previously presented evidence that the gelation process is a first order phase transition characterized by low energy barriers to nucleation, short induction times, and rapid quasi-one-dimensional crystal growth, stemming from solvent-solute interactions and highly specific molecular packing. Here, we discuss the phase behavior of Fmoc-FF in different solvents. We find that Fmoc-FF gel formation can be induced in apolar solvents, in addition to previously established pathways in aqueous systems. We further show that in certain solvent systems anisotropic crystals (nanofibers) are an initial metastable state, after which macroscopic crystal aggregates with no preferred axis of growth are formed. The molecular conformation is sensitive to solvent composition during assembly, indicating that Fmoc-FF may be a simple model system to study complex thermodynamic and kinetic phenomena involved in peptide self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola A Dudukovic
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
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16
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Liu M, Ouyang G, Niu D, Sang Y. Supramolecular gelatons: towards the design of molecular gels. Org Chem Front 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8qo00620b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The concept of supramolecular gelatons for the design of gels was proposed and described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid
- Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics
- Institute of Chemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Guanghui Ouyang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid
- Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics
- Institute of Chemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Dian Niu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid
- Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics
- Institute of Chemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Yutao Sang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid
- Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics
- Institute of Chemistry
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
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17
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Colquhoun C, Draper ER, Schweins R, Marcello M, Vadukul D, Serpell LC, Adams DJ. Controlling the network type in self-assembled dipeptide hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:1914-1919. [PMID: 28186211 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm02666d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We show that the same low molecular weight gelator can form gels using three different methods. Gels were formed from a high pH solution either by adding a salt or by adding an acid; gels were also formed by adding water to a solution of the gelator in an organic solvent. The mechanical properties for the gels formed by the different methods are different from one another. We link this to the network type that is formed, as well as the fibrous structures that are formed. The salt-triggered gels show a significant number of fibres that tend to align. The acid-triggered gels contain many thin fibres, which form an entangled network. The solvent-triggered gels show the presence of spherulitic domains. We show that it is tractable to vary the trigger mechanism for an established, robust gelator to prepare gels with targeted properties as opposed to synthesising new gelators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Colquhoun
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering - School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Emily R Draper
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Institut Laue-Langevin, Large Scale Structures Group, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, F-38042 Grenoble CEDEX 9, France
| | - Marco Marcello
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Devkee Vadukul
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Louise C Serpell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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18
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Cheemalapati S, Ladanov M, Pang B, Yuan Y, Koria P, Xia Y, Pyayt A. Dynamic visualization of photothermal heating by gold nanocages using thermoresponsive elastin like polypeptides. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:18912-18920. [PMID: 27714072 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr04676b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how plasmonic nanoparticles collectively generate heat upon exposure to light and thus increase the local temperature of the surrounding medium is critical for many applications such as plasmon-assisted microfluidics, plasmonic tweezers, and photothermal cancer therapy. Reliable temperature manipulation requires the capability to spatially and dynamically analyze local temperature profiles as a function of nanoparticle concentration and laser intensity. In this work, we present a novel method for visualization of local temperature increase using elastin-like polypeptides (ELP). We also propose a robust algorithm that allows the construction of reliable calibration curves using known boundary conditions and Boltzmann sigmoid fit applied to the ELP solution's temperature-absorption transfer function. Using this technique, for the first time, we successfully demonstrated how surface and volume distribution of the nano-heaters affect collective heat generation. This approach allows the visualization of dynamic 2D-temperature profiles and simultaneously enables the measurement of specific temperature at any point in a 2D-map. The experimental setup is compatible with conventional optical microscopy and requires no specialized hardware or complex sample preparation. Finally, the real time visualization of plasmonic heating offers an opportunity to control outcomes of thermo-plasmonics which enables a myriad of practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Cheemalapati
- IBIS Lab, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33647, USA.
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19
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Marchesan S, Vargiu AV, Styan KE. The Phe-Phe Motif for Peptide Self-Assembly in Nanomedicine. Molecules 2015; 20:19775-88. [PMID: 26540034 PMCID: PMC6332413 DOI: 10.3390/molecules201119658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery, the Phe-Phe motif has gained in popularity as a minimalist building block to drive the self-assembly of short peptides and their analogues into nanostructures and hydrogels. Molecules based on the Phe-Phe motif have found a range of applications in nanomedicine, from drug delivery and biomaterials to new therapeutic paradigms. Here we discuss the various production methods for this class of compounds, and the characterization, nanomorphologies, and application of their self-assembled nanostructures. We include the most recent findings on their remarkable properties, which hold substantial promise for the creation of the next generation nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria S.P. Monserrato-Sestu Km. 0.700, Monserrato 09042, Italy.
| | - Katie E Styan
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Ave Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
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