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Zöller K, To D, Bernkop-Schnürch A. Biomedical applications of functional hydrogels: Innovative developments, relevant clinical trials and advanced products. Biomaterials 2025; 312:122718. [PMID: 39084097 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122718] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Functional hydrogels are used for numerous biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound dressings, lubricants, contact lenses and advanced drug delivery systems. Most of them are based on synthetic or natural polymers forming a three-dimensional network that contains aqueous media. Among synthetic polymers, poly(meth)acrylates, polyethyleneglycols, poly(vinylalcohols), poly(vinylpyrrolidones), PLGA and poly(urethanes) are of high relevance, whereas natural polymers are mainly polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid, alginate or chitosan and proteins such as albumin, collagen or elastin. In contrast to most synthetic polymers, natural polymers are biodegradable. Both synthetic and natural polymers are often chemically modified in order to improve or induce favorable properties and functions like high mechanical strength, stiffness, elasticity, high porosity, adhesive properties, in situ gelling properties, high water binding capacity or drug release controlling properties. Within this review we provide an overview about the broad spectrum of biomedical applications of functional hydrogels, summarize innovative approaches, discuss the concept of relevant functional hydrogels that are in clinical trials and highlight advanced products as examples for successful developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Zöller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Dennis To
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria.
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2
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Veloso SRS, Rosa M, Diaferia C, Fernandes C. A Review on the Rheological Properties of Single Amino Acids and Short Dipeptide Gels. Gels 2024; 10:507. [PMID: 39195036 DOI: 10.3390/gels10080507] [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: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels have attracted considerable interest from the research community. Particularly, low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) consisting of amino acids and short peptides are highly suitable for biological applications owing to their facile synthesis and scalability, as well as their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and stability in physiological conditions. However, challenges in understanding the structure-property relationship and lack of design rules hinder the development of new gelators with the required properties for several applications. Hereby, in the plethora of peptide-based gelators, this review discusses the mechanical properties of single amino acid and dipeptide-based hydrogels. A mutual analysis of these systems allows us to highlight the relationship between the gel mechanical properties and amino acid sequence, preparation methods, or N capping groups. Additionally, recent advancements in the tuning of the gels' rheological properties are reviewed. In this way, the present review aims to help bridge the knowledge gap between structure and mechanical properties, easing the selection or design of peptides with the required properties for biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio R S Veloso
- Physics Centre of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies (LaPMET), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariangela Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi "Carlo Pedone" (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi "Carlo Pedone" (CIRPeB), University of Naples "Federico II", Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Célio Fernandes
- Transport Phenomena Research Centre (CEFT), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Centre of Mathematics (CMAT), School of Sciences, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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3
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Scarel E, De Corti M, Polentarutti M, Pierri G, Tedesco C, Marchesan S. Self-assembly of heterochiral, aliphatic dipeptides with Leu. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3559. [PMID: 38111175 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3559] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
This work describes the self-assembly behavior of heterochiral, aliphatic dipeptides, l-Leu-d-Xaa (Xaa = Ala, Val, Ile, Leu), in green solvents such as acetonitrile (MeCN) and buffered water at neutral pH. Interestingly, water plays a structuring role because at 1% v/v, it enables dipeptide self-assembly in MeCN to yield organogels, which then undergo transition towards crystals. Other organic solvents and oils were tested for gelation, and metastable gels were formed in tetrahydrofuran, although at high peptide concentration (80 mM). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the dipeptides' supramolecular packing modes in amphipathic layers, as opposed to water channels reported for the homochiral Leu-Leu, or hydrophobic columns reported for homochiral Leu-Val and Leu-Ile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Scarel
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco De Corti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Pierri
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Consiglia Tedesco
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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4
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Bellotto O, Scarel E, Pierri G, Rozhin P, Kralj S, Polentarutti M, Bandiera A, Rossi B, Vargiu AV, Tedesco C, Marchesan S. Supramolecular Hydrogels and Water Channels of Differing Diameters from Dipeptide Isomers. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2476-2485. [PMID: 38551400 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01439] [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: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Dipeptides stereoisomers and regioisomers composed of norleucine (Nle) and phenylalanine (Phe) self-assemble into hydrogels under physiological conditions that are suitable for cell culture. The supramolecular behavior, however, differs as the packing modes comprise amphipathic layers or water channels, whose diameter is defined by either four or six dipeptide molecules. A variety of spectroscopy, microscopy, and synchrotron-radiation-based techniques unveil fine details of intermolecular interactions that pinpoint the relationship between the chemical structure and ability to form supramolecular architectures that define soft biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Erica Scarel
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pierri
- Department Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Petr Rozhin
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Department Materials Synthesis, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Antonella Bandiera
- Department Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria S.P. 8 km. 0.7, 09042 Monserrato, CA Italy
| | - Consiglia Tedesco
- Department Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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5
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Lu H, Yang X, Wang H. Tuning Phase Transition of Molecular Self-Assembly by Artificial Chaperones through Aromatic-Aromatic Interactions. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:466-473. [PMID: 38147794 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01082] [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: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
The molecular chaperones are essential and play significant roles in controlling the protein phase transition and maintaining physiological homeostasis. However, manipulating phase transformation in biomimetic peptide self-assembly is still challenging. This work shows that an artificial chaperone modulates the energy landscape of supramolecular polymerization, thus controlling the phase transition of amyloid-like assemblies from crystals to hydrogels to solution. The absence of a chaperone allows the NapP to form crystals, while the presence of the chaperone biases the pathway to form nanofibrous hydrogels to soluble oligomers by adjusting the chaperone ratios. Mechanistic studies reveal that the aromatic-aromatic interaction is the key to trapping the molecules in a higher energy fold. Adding the chaperone relieves this restriction, lowers the energy barrier, and transforms the crystal into a hydrogel. This phase transformation can also be achieved in the macromolecular crowding environment, thus providing new insights into understanding molecular self-assembly in multiple component systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglei Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310027, China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Huaimin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
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6
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Swanson HA, Lau KHA, Tuttle T. Minimal Peptoid Dynamics Inform Self-Assembly Propensity. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:10601-10614. [PMID: 38038956 PMCID: PMC10726364 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Peptoids are structural isomers of natural peptides, with side chain attachment at the amide nitrogen, conferring this class of compounds with the ability to access both cis and trans ω torsions as well as an increased diversity of ψ/φ states with respect to peptides. Sampling within these dimensions is controlled through side chain selection, and an expansive set of viable peptoid residues exists. It has been shown recently that "minimal" di- and tripeptoids with aromatic side chains can self-assemble into highly ordered structures, with size and morphological definition varying as a function of sequence pattern (e.g., XFF and FXF, where X = a nonaromatic peptoid monomer). Aromatic groups, such as phenylalanine, are regularly used in the design of minimal peptide assemblers. In recognition of this, and to draw parallels between these compounds classes, we have developed a series of descriptors for intramolecular dynamics of aromatic side chains to discern whether these dynamics, in a preassembly condition, can be related to experimentally observed nanoscale assemblies. To do this, we have built on the atomistic peptoid force field reported by Weiser and Santiso (CGenFF-WS) through the rigorous fitting of partial charges and the collation of Charmm General Force Field (CGenFF) parameters relevant to these systems. Our study finds that the intramolecular dynamics of side chains, for a given sequence, is dependent on the specific combination of backbone ω torsions and that homogeneity of sampling across these states correlates well with the experimentally observed ability to assemble into nanomorphologies with long-range order. Sequence patterning is also shown to affect sampling, in a manner consistent for both tripeptoids and tripeptides. Additionally, sampling similarities between the nanofiber forming tripeptoid, Nf-Nke-Nf in the cc state, and the nanotube forming dipeptide FF, highlight a structural motif which may be relevant to the emergence of extended linear assemblies. To assess these properties, a variety of computational approaches have been employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish
W. A. Swanson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - King Hang Aaron Lau
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Tell Tuttle
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
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7
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Divanach P, Fanouraki E, Mitraki A, Harmandaris V, Rissanou AN. Investigating the complexation propensity of self-assembling dipeptides with the anticancer peptide-drug Bortezomib: a computational study. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8684-8697. [PMID: 37846478 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00930k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Divanach
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Voutes Campus Greece, Crete, Greece.
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser/Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, (FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eirini Fanouraki
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Voutes Campus Greece, Crete, Greece.
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser/Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, (FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Anna Mitraki
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Voutes Campus Greece, Crete, Greece.
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser/Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, (FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, (FORTH), IACM/FORTH, GR-71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, GR-71409, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Anastassia N Rissanou
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, (FORTH), IACM/FORTH, GR-71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
- Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
- Theoretical & Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
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8
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Monti M, Scarel E, Hassanali A, Stener M, Marchesan S. Diverging conformations guide dipeptide self-assembly into crystals or hydrogels. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:10948-10951. [PMID: 37605851 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02682e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The prediction of dipeptide assembly into crystals or gels is challenging. This work reveals the diverging conformational landscape that guides self-organization towards different outcomes. In silico and experimental data enabled deciphering of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of self-assembling dipeptides to reveal folded or extended conformers as key players.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Monti
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - E Scarel
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - A Hassanali
- The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, Trieste 34151, Italy
| | - M Stener
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - S Marchesan
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
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9
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Cringoli MC, Marchesan S. Cysteine Redox Chemistry in Peptide Self-Assembly to Modulate Hydrogelation. Molecules 2023; 28:4970. [PMID: 37446630 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cysteine redox chemistry is widely used in nature to direct protein assembly, and in recent years it has inspired chemists to design self-assembling peptides too. In this concise review, we describe the progress in the field focusing on the recent advancements that make use of Cys thiol-disulfide redox chemistry to modulate hydrogelation of various peptide classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Cringoli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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10
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Divanach P, Fanouraki E, Mitraki A, Harmandaris V, Rissanou AN. Self-Assembly of Phenylalanine-Leucine, Leucine-Phenylalanine, and Cyclo(-leucine-phenylalanine) Dipeptides through Simulations and Experiments. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:4208-4219. [PMID: 37148280 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c08576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
For over two decades, peptide self-assembly has been the focus of attention and a great source of inspiration for biomedical and nanotechnological applications. The resulting peptide nanostructures and their properties are closely related to the information encoded within each peptide building block, their sequence, and their modes of self-organization. In this work. we assess the behavior and differences between the self-association of the aromatic-aliphatic Phe-Leu dipeptide compared to its retro-sequence Leu-Phe and cyclic Cyclo(-Leu-Phe) counterparts, using a combination of simulation and experimental methods. Detailed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations offer a quantitative prediction at the molecular level of the conformational, dynamical and structural properties of the peptides' self-assembly, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) experiments allow microscopic observation of the self-assembled end-structures. The complementarity and qualitative agreement between the two methods not only highlights the differences between the self-assembly propensity of cyclic and linear retro-sequence peptides but also sheds light on underlying mechanisms of self-organization. The self-assembling propensity was found to follow the order: Cyclo(-Leu-Phe) > Leu-Phe > Phe-Leu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Divanach
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, GR-70013 Voutes Campus, Greece
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, (FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, GR-71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eirini Fanouraki
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, GR-70013 Voutes Campus, Greece
| | - Anna Mitraki
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, GR-70013 Voutes Campus, Greece
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, (FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, GR-71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, (FORTH), IACM/FORTH, GR-71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, GR-71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Anastassia N Rissanou
- Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Theoretical & Physical Chemistry Institute, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, GR-11635 Athens, Greece
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11
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Bellotto O, D'Andrea P, Marchesan S. Nanotubes and water-channels from self-assembling dipeptides. J Mater Chem B 2023. [PMID: 36790014 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02643k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Dipeptides are attractive building blocks for biomaterials in light of their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and simplicity of preparation. Since the discovery of diphenylalanine (Phe-Phe) self-assembling ability into nanotubes, research efforts have been devoted towards the identification of other dipeptide sequences capable of forming these interesting nanomorphologies, although design rules towards nanotube formation are still elusive. In this review, we analyze the dipeptide sequences reported thus far for their ability to form nanotubes, which often feature water-filled supramolecular channels as revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, as well as their properties, and their potential biological applications, which span from drug delivery and regenerative medicine, to bioelectronics and bioimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Paola D'Andrea
- Life Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via Weiss 2, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy. .,INSTM, Unit of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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12
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Rosetti B, Scarel E, Colomina-Alfaro L, Adorinni S, Pierri G, Bellotto O, Mamprin K, Polentarutti M, Bandiera A, Tedesco C, Marchesan S. Self-Assembly of Homo- and Hetero-Chiral Cyclodipeptides into Supramolecular Polymers towards Antimicrobial Gels. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:4554. [PMID: 36365547 PMCID: PMC9654196 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214554] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest towards the development of new antimicrobial coatings, especially in light of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) towards common antibiotics. Cyclodipeptides (CDPs) or diketopiperazines (DKPs) are attractive candidates for their ability to self-assemble into supramolecular polymers and yield gel coatings that do not persist in the environment. In this work, we compare the antimicrobial cyclo(Leu-Phe) with its heterochiral analogs cyclo(D-Leu-L-Phe) and cyclo(L-Leu-D-Phe), as well as cyclo(L-Phe-D-Phe), for their ability to gel. The compounds were synthesized, purified by HPLC, and characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed details of the intermolecular interactions within the supramolecular polymers. The DKPs were then tested for their cytocompatibility on fibroblast cells and for their antimicrobial activity on S. aureus. Overall, DKPs displayed good cytocompatibility and very mild antimicrobial activity, which requires improvement towards applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Rosetti
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Erica Scarel
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Simone Adorinni
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pierri
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Ottavia Bellotto
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Kevin Mamprin
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Consiglia Tedesco
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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13
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Self-Assembled Peptide Nanostructures for ECM Biomimicry. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12132147. [PMID: 35807982 PMCID: PMC9268130 DOI: 10.3390/nano12132147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are functional building blocks of living organisms that exert a wide variety of functions, but their synthesis and industrial production can be cumbersome and expensive. By contrast, short peptides are very convenient to prepare at a low cost on a large scale, and their self-assembly into nanostructures and gels is a popular avenue for protein biomimicry. In this Review, we will analyze the last 5-year progress on the incorporation of bioactive motifs into self-assembling peptides to mimic functional proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and guide cell fate inside hydrogel scaffolds.
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14
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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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15
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Araki Y, Shirakata H, Nakagawa T, Ubukata T, Yokoyama Y, Kawamura I. Fluorescent hydrogel based on self-assembling acridonylalanine-phenylalanine. CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.220170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzuha Araki
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shirakata
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Ubukata
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yokoyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Izuru Kawamura
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
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16
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Picci G, Marchesan S, Caltagirone C. Ion Channels and Transporters as Therapeutic Agents: From Biomolecules to Supramolecular Medicinal Chemistry. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040885. [PMID: 35453638 PMCID: PMC9032600 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040885] [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: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels and transporters typically consist of biomolecules that play key roles in a large variety of physiological and pathological processes. Traditional therapies include many ion-channel blockers, and some activators, although the exact biochemical pathways and mechanisms that regulate ion homeostasis are yet to be fully elucidated. An emerging area of research with great innovative potential in biomedicine pertains the design and development of synthetic ion channels and transporters, which may provide unexplored therapeutic opportunities. However, most studies in this challenging and multidisciplinary area are still at a fundamental level. In this review, we discuss the progress that has been made over the last five years on ion channels and transporters, touching upon biomolecules and synthetic supramolecules that are relevant to biological use. We conclude with the identification of therapeutic opportunities for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Picci
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Claudia Caltagirone
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (C.C.)
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17
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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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18
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Bellotto O, Semeraro S, Bandiera A, Tramer F, Pavan N, Marchesan S. Polymer Conjugates of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) with d-Amino Acids (d-aa): State of the Art and Future Opportunities. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020446. [PMID: 35214178 PMCID: PMC8879212 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have enjoyed a renaissance, as the world is currently facing an emergency in terms of severe infections that evade antibiotics’ treatment. This is due to the increasing emergence and spread of resistance mechanisms. Covalent conjugation with polymers is an interesting strategy to modulate the pharmacokinetic profile of AMPs and enhance their biocompatibility profile. It can also be an effective approach to develop active coatings for medical implants and devices, and to avoid biofilm formation on their surface. In this concise review, we focus on the last 5 years’ progress in this area, pertaining in particular to AMPs that contain d-amino acids, as well as their role, and the advantages that may arise from their introduction into AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (O.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Sabrina Semeraro
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (O.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Antonella Bandiera
- Life Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (F.T.)
| | - Federica Tramer
- Life Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (F.T.)
| | - Nicola Pavan
- Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (O.B.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Yang X, Lu H, Tao Y, Zhang H, Wang H. Controlling supramolecular filament chirality of hydrogel by co-assembly of enantiomeric aromatic peptides. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:77. [PMID: 35144637 PMCID: PMC8832752 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01285-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Supramolecular chirality plays an indispensable role in living and synthetic systems. However, the generation and control of filament chirality in the supramolecular hydrogel of short peptides remains challenging. In this work, as the first example, we report that the heterodimerization of the enantiomeric mixture controls the alignment, chirality, and stiffness of fibrous hydrogels formed by aromatic building blocks. The properties of the resulting racemic hydrogel could not be achieved by either pure enantiomer. Cryo-EM images indicate that the mixture of L and D enantiomers forms chiral nanofibers, the percentage of which can be readily controlled through stoichiometric co-assembly of heterochiral enantiomers. 2D NOESY NMR and diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy reveal that heterodimerization of enantiomers plays a crucial role in the formation of chiral nanofibers. Further mechanistic studies unravel the mechanism of supramolecular chirality formation in this two-component system. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm that the intermolecular hydrogen bond and π–π interaction of heterodimers play important roles in forming a chiral hydrogel. Furthermore, regulation of the adhesion and morphology of mammalian cells is achieved by tuning the relative ratio of L and D enantiomers at the same concentration. This work illustrates a novel strategy to control the supramolecular chirality of aromatic peptide hydrogels for materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Honglei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yinghua Tao
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huaimin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China. .,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China. .,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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20
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Bellotto O, Kralj S, Melchionna M, Pengo P, Kisovec M, Podobnik M, De Zorzi R, Marchesan S. Self-Assembly of Unprotected Dipeptides into Hydrogels: Water-Channels Make the Difference. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100518. [PMID: 34784433 PMCID: PMC9299199 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Unprotected dipeptides are attractive building blocks for environmentally friendly hydrogel biomaterials by virtue of their low‐cost and ease of preparation. This work investigates the self‐assembling behaviour of the distinct stereoisomers of Ile‐Phe and Phe‐Ile in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to form hydrogels, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR), circular dichroism (CD), and oscillatory rheometry. Each peptide purity and identity was also confirmed by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and HPLC‐MS. Finally, single‐crystal XRD data allowed the key interactions responsible for the supramolecular packing into amphipathic layers or water‐channels to be revealed. The presence of the latter in the crystal structure is a distinctive feature of the only gelator of this work that self‐organizes into stable hydrogels, with fast kinetics and the highest elastic modulus amongst its structural isomers and stereoisomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Materials Synthesis Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michele Melchionna
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,Unit of Trieste, INSTM, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Pengo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Matic Kisovec
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjetka Podobnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rita De Zorzi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,Unit of Trieste, INSTM, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
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21
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Saikia J, Dharmalingam K, Anandalakshmi R, Redkar AS, Bhat VT, Ramakrishnan V. Electric field modulated peptide based hydrogel nanocatalysts. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:9725-9735. [PMID: 34643203 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00724f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ability to modulate self-assembly is the key to manufacture application-oriented materials. In this study, we investigated the effect of three independent variables that can modulate the catalytic activity of self-assembling peptides. The first two variables, amino acid sequence and its stereochemistry, were examined for their specific roles in the epitaxial growth and hydrogelation properties of a series of catalytic tripeptides. We observed that aromatic π-π interactions that direct the self-assembly of designed peptides, and the catalytic properties of hydrogels, are governed by the position and chirality of the proline residue. Subsequently, the influence of the third variable, an external electric field, was also tested to confirm its catalytic efficiency for the asymmetric C-C bond-forming aldol reaction. In particular, the electric field treated pff and PFF gels showed 10 and 36% higher stereoselectivity, respectively, compared with the control. Structure-property analysis using CD and FTIR spectroscopy indicates the electric field-induced beta to non-beta conformational transition in the peptide secondary structure, which corroborates with its reduced cross-link density and fibril width, respectively. Amplitude sweep rheology of the gels suggests a decrease in the storage modulus, with increased field strength. The results showed that an electric field of optimal strength can modulate the physical characteristics of the hydrogel, which in turn is manifested in the observed difference in enantioselectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahnu Saikia
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
| | - K Dharmalingam
- Advanced Energy & Materials Systems Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - R Anandalakshmi
- Advanced Energy & Materials Systems Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Amay Sanjay Redkar
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
| | - Venugopal T Bhat
- Organic Synthesis and Catalysis Laboratory SRM Research Institute and Department of Chemistry SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
| | - Vibin Ramakrishnan
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
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22
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Li L, Xie L, Zheng R, Sun R. Self-Assembly Dipeptide Hydrogel: The Structures and Properties. Front Chem 2021; 9:739791. [PMID: 34540806 PMCID: PMC8440803 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.739791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-assembly peptide-based hydrogels are well known and popular in biomedical applications due to the fact that they are readily controllable and have biocompatibility properties. A dipeptide is the shortest self-assembling motif of peptides. Due to its small size and simple synthesis method, dipeptide can provide a simple and easy-to-use method to study the mechanism of peptides' self-assembly. This review describes the design and structures of self-assembly linear dipeptide hydrogels. The strategies for preparing the new generation of linear dipeptide hydrogels can be divided into three categories based on the modification site of dipeptide: 1) COOH-terminal and N-terminal modified dipeptide, 2) C-terminal modified dipeptide, and 3) uncapped dipeptide. With a deeper understanding of the relationship between the structures and properties of dipeptides, we believe that dipeptide hydrogels have great potential application in preparing minimal biocompatible materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangchun Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Li Xie
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Renlin Zheng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Rongqin Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
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23
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Giuri D, Marshall LJ, Wilson C, Seddon A, Adams DJ. Understanding gel-to-crystal transitions in supramolecular gels. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:7221-7226. [PMID: 34286796 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00770j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Most supramolecular gels are stable or assumed to be stable over time, and aging effects are often not studied. However, some gels do show clear changes on aging, and a small number of systems exhibit gel-to-crystal transitions. In these cases, crystals form over time, typically at the expense of the network underpinning the gel; this leads to the gel falling apart. These systems are rare, and little is known about how these gel-to-crystal transitions occur. Here, we use a range of techniques to understand in detail a gel-to-crystal transition for a specific functionalised dipeptide based gelator. We show that the gel-to-crystal transition depends on the final pH of the medium which we control by varying the amount of glucon-δ-lactone (GdL) added. In the gel phase, at low concentrations of GdL, and at early time points with high concentrations of GdL, we are able to show the nanometre scale dimensions of the self-assembled fibre using SAXS; however there is no evidence of molecular ordering of the gel fibres in the WAXS. At low concentrations of GdL, these self-assembled fibres stiffen with time but do not crystallise over the timescale of the SAXS experiment. At high concentrations of GdL, the fibres are already stiffened, and then, as the pH drops further, give way to the presence of crystals which appear to grow preferentially along the direction of the fibre axis. We definitively show therefore that the gel and crystal phase are not the same. Our work shows that many assumptions in the literature are incorrect. Finally, we also show that the sample holder geometry is an important parameter for these experiments, with the rate of crystallisation depending on the holder in which the experiment is carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra Giuri
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Libby J Marshall
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Claire Wilson
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Annela Seddon
- School of Physics, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK. and Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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24
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Giuri D, Marshall LJ, Dietrich B, McDowall D, Thomson L, Newton JY, Wilson C, Schweins R, Adams DJ. Exploiting and controlling gel-to-crystal transitions in multicomponent supramolecular gels. Chem Sci 2021; 12:9720-9725. [PMID: 34349943 PMCID: PMC8293982 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02347k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicomponent supramolecular gels provide opportunities to form materials that are not accessible when using the single components alone. Different scenarios are possible when mixing multiple components, from complete co-assembly (mixing of the components within the self-assembled structures formed) to complete self-sorting such that each structure contains only one of the components. Most examples of multicomponent gels that currently exist form stable gels. Here, we show that this can be used to control the mechanical properties of the gels, but what is probably most exciting is that we show that we can use a magnetic field to control the shape of the crystals. The gelling component aligns in a magnetic field and so results in anisotropic crystals being formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra Giuri
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna Via Selmi, 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | | | - Bart Dietrich
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Daniel McDowall
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Lisa Thomson
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Jenny Y Newton
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Claire Wilson
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue-Langevin 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156 F-38042 Grenoble CEDEX 9 France
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
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25
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Scarel M, Marchesan S. Diketopiperazine Gels: New Horizons from the Self-Assembly of Cyclic Dipeptides. Molecules 2021; 26:3376. [PMID: 34204905 PMCID: PMC8199760 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclodipeptides (CDPs) or 2,5-diketopiperazines (DKPs) can exert a variety of biological activities and display pronounced resistance against enzymatic hydrolysis as well as a propensity towards self-assembly into gels, relative to the linear-dipeptide counterparts. They have attracted great interest in a variety of fields spanning from functional materials to drug discovery. This concise review will analyze the latest advancements in their synthesis, self-assembly into gels, and their more innovative applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Scarel
- 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;
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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26
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Florio D, Di Natale C, Scognamiglio PL, Leone M, La Manna S, Di Somma S, Netti PA, Malfitano AM, Marasco D. Self-assembly of bio-inspired heterochiral peptides. Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105047. [PMID: 34098256 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Peptide hydrogels, deriving from natural protein fragments, present unique advantages as compatibility and low cost of production that allow their wide application in different fields as wound healing, cell delivery and tissue regeneration. To engineer new biomaterials, the change of the chirality of single amino acids demonstrated a powerful approach to modulate the self-assembly mechanism. Recently we unveiled that a small stretch spanning residues 268-273 in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) is an amyloid sequence. Herein, we performed a systematic D-scan of this sequence and analyzed the structural properties of obtained peptides. The conformational and kinetic features of self-aggregates and the morphologies of derived microstructures were investigated by means of different biophysical techniques, as well as the compatibility of hydrogels was evaluated in HeLa cells. All the investigated hexapeptides formed hydrogels even if they exhibited different conformational intermediates during aggregation, and they structural featured are finely tuned by introduced chiralities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - Concetta Di Natale
- Center for Advanced Biomaterial for Health Care (CABHC), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy; Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Department of Ingegneria Chimica del Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), University "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Liana Scognamiglio
- Center for Advanced Biomaterial for Health Care (CABHC), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy; Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Department of Ingegneria Chimica del Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), University "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging - CNR, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Sara La Manna
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - Sarah Di Somma
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- Center for Advanced Biomaterial for Health Care (CABHC), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy; Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Department of Ingegneria Chimica del Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), University "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Malfitano
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy.
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Caporale A, Adorinni S, Lamba D, Saviano M. Peptide-Protein Interactions: From Drug Design to Supramolecular Biomaterials. Molecules 2021; 26:1219. [PMID: 33668767 PMCID: PMC7956380 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-recognition and self-assembly of biomolecules are spontaneous processes that occur in Nature and allow the formation of ordered structures, at the nanoscale or even at the macroscale, under thermodynamic and kinetic equilibrium as a consequence of specific and local interactions. In particular, peptides and peptidomimetics play an elected role, as they may allow a rational approach to elucidate biological mechanisms to develop new drugs, biomaterials, catalysts, or semiconductors. The forces that rule self-recognition and self-assembly processes are weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attractions, and van der Waals forces, and they underlie the formation of the secondary structure (e.g., α-helix, β-sheet, polyproline II helix), which plays a key role in all biological processes. Here, we present recent and significant examples whereby design was successfully applied to attain the desired structural motifs toward function. These studies are important to understand the main interactions ruling the biological processes and the onset of many pathologies. The types of secondary structure adopted by peptides during self-assembly have a fundamental importance not only on the type of nano- or macro-structure formed but also on the properties of biomaterials, such as the types of interaction, encapsulation, non-covalent interaction, or covalent interaction, which are ultimately useful for applications in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caporale
- IC-CNR, c/o Area Science Park, S.S. 14 Km 163.5 Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Simone Adorinni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche di Università di Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Doriano Lamba
- IC-CNR, c/o Area Science Park, S.S. 14 Km 163.5 Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Consorzio Interuniversitario, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 305, I-00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IC-CNR), Via Giovanni Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
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28
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Kurbasic M, Garcia AM, Viada S, Marchesan S. Heterochiral tetrapeptide self-assembly into hydrogel biomaterials for hydrolase mimicry. J Pept Sci 2021; 28:e3304. [PMID: 33521995 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembling short peptides have attracted great interest as enzyme mimics, especially if the catalytic activity resides solely in the supramolecular structure so that it can be switched on/off as needed by controlling assembly/disassembly. Among the various enzyme classes, hydrolases find wide application in biomaterials, and their mimetics often contain His residues, in addition to either divalent cations or other amino acids to mimic the catalytic site. This work reports two self-assembling tetrapeptides based on the Ser-His motif for catalysis and the Phe-Phe motif to drive amyloid structure formation. Both peptides form thermoreversible hydrogels in phosphate buffer at neutral pH that display a mild esterase-like activity, as demonstrated on the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl acetate as a model substrate, although presence of Ser did not enhance catalytic activity. The systems are characterised by circular dichroism, transmission electron microscopy, oscillatory rheology and Thioflavin T fluorescence as an amyloid stain, to provide further insights that may assist the future design of improved supramolecular catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Kurbasic
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| | - Ana M Garcia
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| | - Simone Viada
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34127, Italy
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Karcher J, Kirchner S, Leistner AL, Hald C, Geng P, Bantle T, Gödtel P, Pfeifer J, Pianowski ZL. Selective release of a potent anticancer agent from a supramolecular hydrogel using green light. RSC Adv 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08893e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective green-light triggered release of an anticancer agent under physiological conditions from a supramolecular hydrogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Karcher
- Institut für Organische Chemie
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- 76131 Karlsruhe
- Germany
| | - Susanne Kirchner
- Institut für Organische Chemie
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- 76131 Karlsruhe
- Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Leistner
- Institut für Organische Chemie
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- 76131 Karlsruhe
- Germany
| | - Christian Hald
- Institut für Organische Chemie
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- 76131 Karlsruhe
- Germany
| | - Philipp Geng
- Institut für Organische Chemie
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- 76131 Karlsruhe
- Germany
| | - Tobias Bantle
- Institut für Organische Chemie
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- 76131 Karlsruhe
- Germany
| | - Peter Gödtel
- Institut für Organische Chemie
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- 76131 Karlsruhe
- Germany
| | - Juliana Pfeifer
- Institut für Funktionelle Grenzflächen IFG
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- Germany
| | - Zbigniew L. Pianowski
- Institut für Organische Chemie
- Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- 76131 Karlsruhe
- Germany
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems – FMS
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