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Cell Adhesion Motif-Functionalized Lipopeptides: Nanostructure and Selective Myoblast Cytocompatibility
Elisabetta Rosa1,2, Lucas de Mello1,3, Valeria Castelletto1
1School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Food Biosciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AD, U.K.
Biomacromolecules
|December 15, 2022
Summary
Four lipopeptides self-assemble into nanostructures like nanotubes and ribbons. These RGDS-based peptide amphiphiles show promise for tissue engineering, particularly for muscle precursor cells, with tunable self-assembly and good cytocompatibility.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lipopeptides, peptide amphiphiles with conjugated lipid chains, are investigated for their self-assembly properties.
- The RGDS motif, crucial for cell adhesion, is incorporated into the peptide sequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the conformation and self-assembly of four lipopeptides in aqueous solution.
- To analyze the cytocompatibility of these lipopeptides for potential tissue engineering applications, including cultured meat.
Main Methods:
- Circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy to determine critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and secondary structures.
- Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to characterize nanostructures.
- Cell viability assays using fibroblasts and myoblasts.
Main Results:
- All lipopeptides self-assemble above their CAC into β-sheet structures, forming nanotapes, helical ribbons, and nanotubes.
- Cryo-TEM revealed nanotube formation via ribbon closure; SAXS indicated peptide bilayers in nanotapes and nanotubes.
- Significant myoblast cytocompatibility was observed, especially below CAC, with enhanced support from hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- Lipopeptide nanostructure can be precisely tuned by controlling peptide sequence and alkyl chain length.
- RGDS-based lipopeptides demonstrate potential as biomaterials for tissue engineering, particularly for muscle precursor cells.
