Lysine-based non-cytotoxic ultrashort self-assembling peptides with antimicrobial activity
Nagihan Özbek1, Eugenio Llorens Vilarrocha2, Begonya Vicedo Jover2
1Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I 12071 Castelló Spain escuder@uji.es.
RSC Advances
|May 9, 2024
Summary
This study details novel l-lysine-based dipeptide hydrogels with self-assembled fibrillar networks. These biocompatible hydrogels exhibit significant antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Peptide-based hydrogels offer versatile self-assembly for diverse nanostructures in biomedical applications.
- Low-molecular-weight compounds enable the creation of complex peptide-based materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of l-lysine-based dipeptide hydrogels, focusing on their antibacterial potential.
- To functionalize l-lysine with hydrophobic moieties and alkylamides to tune hydrogel properties.
Main Methods:
- Characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and wide-angle powder X-ray diffraction (WAXRD).
- Rheological analysis to understand mechanical properties.
- Biocompatibility assays with HEK 293 cells.
- Antimicrobial efficacy testing against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative).
Main Results:
- Successfully formed fibrillar networks of l-lysine-based dipeptide hydrogels.
- Demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Confirmed biocompatibility with HEK 293 cells.
Conclusions:
- l-lysine-based dipeptide hydrogels functionalized with hydrophobic groups exhibit promising antibacterial properties.
- These hydrogels are suitable for biomedical applications requiring antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility.
- The tunable nature of these self-assembled peptide materials opens avenues for further development.
