Metal-Chelating Self-Assembling Peptide Nanofiber Scaffolds for Modulation of Neuronal Cell Behavior

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Synthetic peptides are key for bioactive scaffolds and tissue engineering.
• Peptide amphiphiles (PAs) offer tunable self-assembly properties.
• Histidine residues enable coordination with trace metals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design self-assembling peptide amphiphile nanofiber scaffolds with histidine residues.
• To investigate the interaction of these scaffolds with essential trace metals (Zn, Cu, Mn).
• To evaluate the effects of trace metal-activated scaffolds on mammalian cell behavior and redox balance.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of histidine-containing peptide amphiphiles.
• Characterization of self-assembled nanofiber scaffolds.
• Assessment of trace metal coordination and scaffold properties.
• In vitro studies on PC-12 cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
• Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione levels.

Main Results:

• Successful self-assembly of histidine-functionalized peptide amphiphiles into nanofiber scaffolds.
• Demonstrated coordination ability of scaffolds with Zn, Cu, and Mn.
• Trace metal-activated scaffolds modulated PC-12 cell adhesion, proliferation, and morphological differentiation.
• Mn(II) showed a specific role in cell-matrix interaction and neuritogenesis.
• Scaffolds influenced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione levels.

Conclusions:

• Histidine-functionalized peptide nanofiber scaffolds can be activated by trace metals.
• These scaffolds demonstrate potential for modulating neuronal cell behavior and promoting regenerative responses.
• The findings provide a proof-of-concept for developing advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.