Modular Design of Supramolecular Ionic Peptides with Cell-Selective Membrane Activity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Imaging and Therapy

Background:

• Targeted molecular imaging and therapy require materials with cell-selective membrane activity.
• Developing such materials is crucial for advancing disease treatment and diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize a new class of cationic multidomain peptides (MDPs) capable of enzyme-mediated self-assembly.
• To investigate the structural transformation of MDPs and its impact on membrane activity, cell uptake, and drug delivery efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of cationic multidomain peptides (MDPs).
• Enzyme-mediated molecular transformation and subsequent supramolecular assembly into nanofibers.
• Characterization of nanofiber structure (β-sheet backbone, cationic clusters).
• Assessment of membrane perturbation potential, cell uptake, and drug delivery efficiency.

Main Results:

• MDPs undergo enzyme-mediated transformation and self-assemble into nanofibers with cationic clusters on a β-sheet backbone.
• This structural change alters membrane perturbation potential, enhancing cell uptake.
• Improved drug delivery efficacy was observed due to enhanced cell uptake.

Conclusions:

• Directed self-assembly of modularly designed MDPs offers a promising strategy for creating dynamic supramolecular nanomaterials.
• These nanomaterials exhibit tunable membrane activity for targeted molecular imaging and therapy applications.
• The developed MDP system holds potential for various disease treatment and diagnostic applications.