Solid-phase synthesis, characterization, and cellular activities of collagen-model nanodiamond-peptide conjugates

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Nanodiamonds (NDs) are promising drug delivery vehicles due to their small size, modifiable surfaces, and low toxicity.
• Current applications often rely on surface adsorption, which can lead to biomolecule desorption.
• Covalent attachment offers superior control over biomolecule ratios and prevents premature release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize methods for the solid-phase covalent conjugation of nanodiamonds (NDs) to peptides.
• To evaluate the impact of ND conjugation on the biological activity of peptides.

Main Methods:

• Solid-phase synthesis for efficient conjugation of NDs to peptides.
• Characterization of the resulting nanodiamond-peptide conjugates.
• In vitro assessment of cell adhesion and viability using collagen-derived peptides.

Main Results:

• Successful and efficient solid-phase conjugation of NDs to peptides was achieved.
• Nanodiamond-peptide conjugates demonstrated supported or enhanced cell adhesion and viability compared to unconjugated peptides.
• The presence of NDs did not impede, and potentially improved, the bioactivity of the attached peptides.

Conclusions:

• Nanodiamonds can be selectively conjugated to peptides and proteins via covalent attachment.
• This covalent modification strategy offers a reliable method for creating nanodiamond-biomolecule conjugates.
• Nanodiamond conjugation holds potential for enhancing the in vivo efficacy of therapeutic biomolecules.