Dynamic Peptide Nanoframework-Guided Protein Coassembly: Advancing Adhesion Performance with Hierarchical Structures

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Natural adhesion systems rely on hierarchical structures, which are difficult to replicate synthetically.
• Mimicking intricate molecular mechanisms and multiscale processes in synthetic adhesives presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel complex coacervate-based adhesives with hierarchical structures.
• To enable controlled regulation of cohesion and adhesion properties in engineered adhesives.
• To explore the potential of these adhesives in biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized three phosphorylated peptides with hydrophobic self-assembly motifs linked to hydrophilic phosphorylated sequences (pSGSS).
• Formed peptide fibril nanoframeworks that coassemble with elastin-derived positively charged proteins (PCP).
• Investigated the interfacial adhesion strength, cohesion, and biocompatibility of the resulting complex coacervate adhesives.

Main Results:

• The peptide-PCP coacervates formed hierarchical structures mimicking natural adhesives.
• Adhesives demonstrated tunable cohesion and adhesion properties.
• The dityrosine-containing peptide and PCP complex achieved interfacial adhesion strength up to 30 MPa, rivaling chemical adhesives.
• The developed adhesives exhibited promising biocompatibility and bioactivity.

Conclusions:

• Bioinspired hierarchical assembly combined with bioengineering offers a powerful strategy for advancing biomedical adhesives.
• These novel adhesives show potential for applications in visceral hemostasis and tissue repair.
• The study demonstrates a successful approach to creating high-performance, bio-integrated adhesive materials.