Multicomponent Peptide-Based Hydrogels Containing Chemical Functional Groups as Innovative Platforms for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Multicomponent hydrogels (HGs) from ultrashort aromatic peptides are valuable for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensors.
• The diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) homodimer hydrogelator gels under physiological conditions.
• Incorporating additional molecules can enhance HG properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel multicomponent Fmoc-FF based hydrogels doped with tripeptides (Fmoc-FFX, where X=Cys, Ser, or Thr).
• To functionalize hydrogels with thiol or alcohol groups for post-derivatization with bioactive molecules.
• To assess the biocompatibility and cell-supporting capabilities of these hybrid hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Fmoc-FF based hydrogels doped with varying amounts of Fmoc-FFX tripeptides.
• Characterization of hydrogel supramolecular organization.
• In vitro assessment of hydrogel biocompatibility, cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation using fibroblast cell lines.

Main Results:

• Novel multicomponent hydrogels were successfully synthesized with functional thiol or alcohol groups.
• The hybrid hydrogels exhibited similar peptide organization in their supramolecular matrix.
• In vitro studies confirmed the hydrogels' biocompatibility, lack of toxicity, and ability to support fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.

Conclusions:

• The novel Fmoc-FF based hybrid hydrogels are non-toxic and possess excellent biocompatibility.
• These functionalized hydrogels can serve as scaffolds for cell culture and tissue engineering.
• The incorporated functional groups allow for chemical modification, expanding their utility in diagnostics and biosensing.