Design and Utility of Novel Proteinaceous Biomaterials

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

In this project self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels are designed toward clinical applications. In general, peptides are designed so that when initially dissolved in pure water, they are monomeric and adopt an ensemble of random coil conformations and are soluble. However, in response to environmental stimuli, these same peptides are capable of rapid assembly into a network of fibrils that constitutes the formation of a hydrogel. When drugs are introduced during self-assembly they are encapsulated within the gel with 100% efficiency. Release of drugs from the gel at desired rates is possible once implanted in vivo to affect local delivery of drug to targeted tissue. We have designed over 200 different peptide gels to study this system and to generate tailored gels to specifically deliver small molecules proteins, nucleic acids, nanoparticles, and cells. Further, some of our gels act as surgical stents enabling micro-anastomosis, as antibacterials, and medical implant coatings. Considerable effort has been expended in uncovering the mechanism by which these peptides assemble and in elucidating the underlying structure of the fibrils they form with molecular detail. This knowledge allows one to design materials for targeted medical application efficiently.