Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels for Biocompatible Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogel-based delivery systems for therapeutic agents, such as secretome from mesenchymal stem cells, face challenges including poor biocompatibility, harsh preparation conditions, and instability under mild conditions, leading to suboptimal wound healing and delivery efficacy.
Innovation Solution
Development of short peptide-based hydrogels inspired by suckerin proteins that self-assemble into stable hydrogels under mild conditions without crosslinking agents or UV exposure, exhibiting tunable mechanical properties and enhanced biocompatibility for controlled release of therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If crosslinking agents or UV exposure are used to form hydrogels, then the mechanical strength and structural stability are improved, but the biocompatibility deteriorates due to toxic chemicals and harsh preparation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful crosslinking agents and UV exposure steps from the hydrogel formation process. The peptides self-assemble through non-covalent interactions (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effects) to form stable hydrogels without requiring external crosslinking chemicals or energy input, thereby removing the toxic factors while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The peptide sequences are designed to self-assemble automatically under mild physiological conditions through intrinsic molecular interactions. The peptides perform their own gelation function without external assistance, forming stable hydrogels through self-organization driven by hydrophobic collapse and hydrogen bonding networks, eliminating the need for harmful crosslinking agents
2Strength
If peptide concentration is increased to improve structural integrity, then the storage modulus increases up to 25-fold, but the solution viscosity increases making handling and injection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the peptide concentration parameter within a specific range (0.5-5 mg/mL) to achieve the desired balance between structural integrity and handling ease. By carefully controlling this parameter, the hydrogels attain sufficient storage modulus for wound healing applications while maintaining low enough viscosity for easy application and injection
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogels exhibit dynamic rheological properties that allow them to transition between sol and gel states. At lower concentrations and shear stress, they remain fluid for easy handling and injection; upon application to the wound site, they self-assemble into stable gels with high storage modulus, providing the needed structural support
3Reliability
If the hydrogel is designed to be highly stable under mild conditions, then the controlled release of secretome is improved, but the gelation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The peptide sequences are pre-designed with specific hydrophobic and amphipathic characteristics that enable rapid self-assembly upon contact with physiological fluids. The molecular structure is prepared in advance to facilitate quick formation of stable hydrophobic cores and hydrogen bonding networks, achieving both fast gelation and long-term stability under mild conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hydrogels demonstrate a 25-fold variation in storage modulus, improved structural integrity, and controlled release of secretome, accelerating wound healing by promoting cell migration and angiogenesis.
Implementation Method 1
the formation of new inter-peptide hydrophobic interactions
Implementation Method 2
these peptides with an initial structure of 310 helices undergo a novel and unique conformational transition into anti-parallel β-sheets
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention, as disclosed herein, provides an isolated peptide, and a composition or material comprising a hydrogel, for the delivery of an active agent. The hydrogel comprises one or more isolated peptides and an active agent encapsulated in the hydrogel. The hydrogel is at least partially in a β-sheet conformation. Further provided are a method for the encapsulation of an active agent in a hydrogel, a method for treating or diagnosing a condition or disease in a subject in need thereof.