Modularly Designed Transformable Peptides for Morphological Control and Biomedical Applications

Transformable peptides, driven by diverse intermolecular forces, can undergo self-assembly and morphological transformation into a variety of nanostructures with distinct physicochemical properties and biological functions. Compared with traditional materials, deformable peptides have a unique structural tunability and a modular feature that enable them to precisely target specific pathological sites, interfere with cell behavior, and thereby exert different biological activities. In recent years, research on self-assembling peptides has advanced considerably, progressing from rational molecular design in the laboratory toward clinical translation. This review systematically summarizes the molecular building blocks of peptides, the noncovalent interactions guiding the formation of secondary structures, and the key factors influencing their transformation into various nanostructures. In addition, the biomedical applications of these transformable nanostructures in disease imaging, cancer therapy, and antimicrobial treatment are highlighted, with a particular emphasis on their advantages in disease diagnosis and therapeutic precision. Overall, transformable peptides represent a highly promising class of biomaterials, offering valuable insights and potential for future clinical translation in biomedicine.