Progress in Self-assembling Peptide-based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Self-assembled peptide nanomaterials display the advantageous properties of injectability, biodegradability and biocompatibility. These peptide nanomaterials, by self-assembling, can be widely applied in such fields as drug delivery (small molecules and large molecules), regenerative medicine and nanobiotechnology. In this review, we mainly discuss the properties of these peptide nanomaterials in their physical, chemical and biological aspects. Also discussed are recent advances in their potential applications as drug delivery systems and for uses in regenerative medicine. These current advances show a bright future for the development and clinical applications of self-assembled peptide-based nanotechnology and nanomedicine. However, there are still some big challenges for us to face before these peptide nanomaterials eventually can be used for the treatment of human diseases.