Peptide and protein nanoparticle conjugates: versatile platforms for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Peptide- and protein-nanoparticle conjugates are increasingly vital in biomedical applications.
• These conjugates offer potential for disease treatment, diagnosis, and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical roles of peptides and proteins in nanotechnology performance.
• To explore how these biomolecules enhance nano-constructs for various biomedical uses.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review focusing on peptide and protein roles in nanomedicine.
• Analysis of sequences and structures for stability, targeting, and biological response modulation.
• Examination of self-assembled polypeptide nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Peptides and proteins are key to nano-construct stability, targeting, and cellular distribution.
• They effectively induce and control biological responses for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
• Polypeptide self-assembly offers a route to novel nanoparticle structures.

Conclusions:

• Significant advances have been made in peptide- and protein-functionalized nanotechnologies.
• Challenges remain in the clinical translation of these advanced nano-drug delivery systems, imaging agents, and therapeutics.