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Rational design of peptide-based implants for corneal bioengineering
Bapan Pramanik1, Mohammad M Islam2, Hirak K Patra3
1Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel; School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|May 10, 2023
Summary
Corneal tissue engineering using self-assembling peptides offers a promising alternative to transplantation. These peptide-based implants mimic the extracellular matrix, aiding in functional cornea regeneration and vision restoration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Corneal transplantation is the standard treatment for vision loss due to corneal damage.
- A significant shortage of donor corneas leaves millions of patients untreated, highlighting the need for alternatives.
- Corneal replacements are emerging as a cutting-edge strategy to address this unmet clinical need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of peptides in corneal tissue engineering.
- To analyze rational peptide design and self-assembly for creating biomimetic implants.
- To investigate peptide-based nanoscale building blocks for functional cornea regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Rational design of peptides, including collagen-like peptides and peptide amphiphiles.
- Utilizing hierarchical self-assembly of peptides to form desired 3D architectures.
- Developing peptide-based nanoscale building blocks for extracellular matrix mimetic implants.
Main Results:
- Peptides demonstrate a promising avenue for corneal tissue engineering.
- Self-assembling peptides can acquire desired nano- to macroscale 3D architectures.
- Peptide-based implants can mimic the extracellular matrix for enhanced regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Peptide-based strategies are a viable alternative for corneal regeneration.
- Engineered peptides can facilitate the development of functional corneal implants.
- This approach holds significant potential for restoring vision in patients awaiting transplantation.
