Nanostructures by self-assembling peptide amphiphile as potential selective drug carriers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Amphiphile peptides offer versatile platforms for developing novel nanostructures.
• Controlling self-assembly at physiological conditions is crucial for biomedical applications.
• The CCK8 peptide sequence is explored for its self-assembling properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the self-assembly of the amphiphile peptide (C18)2L5CCK8 into nanostructures at physiological pH.
• To characterize the resulting nanostructures, including their critical micellar concentration and structural dimensions.
• To evaluate the encapsulation capabilities of these nanostructures for drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the (C18)2L5CCK8 amphiphile peptide.
• Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to determine nanostructure dimensions and morphology.
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for visualizing nanostructure formation.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy to assess drug sequestration within the nanostructures.

Main Results:

• Stable nanostructures formed at physiological pH with a critical micellar concentration of 2 x 10^-6 mol kg^-1.
• The nanostructures exhibited a 3D structure with dimensions greater than or equal to 100 nm.
• Water-exposed CCK8 peptide segments adopted a beta-sheet conformation.
• Successful sequestration of pyrene (drug model) and doxorubicin within the nanostructures was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The amphiphile peptide (C18)2L5CCK8 self-assembles into stable, beta-sheet rich nanostructures at physiological pH.
• These nanostructures possess dimensions suitable for potential drug delivery applications.
• The demonstrated ability to encapsulate anticancer drugs like doxorubicin highlights their potential in targeted cancer therapy.