Fundamentals and Advances in Programmable Peptide Hydrogels for Multifunctional Biomedical Applications: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Programmable peptide hydrogels are advanced biomaterials that mimic the native extracellular matrix.
• Their customizable sequences and self-assembly behaviors enable biomimetic reconstruction of complex biological environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review molecular engineering advances in programmable peptide hydrogels.
• To elucidate structure-property-function relationships for diverse biomedical applications.
• To identify translational barriers and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Interpretation of self-assembly mechanisms driven by non-covalent interactions and stimuli.
• Summarization of rational design principles for stimuli-responsive optimization and biofunctional modification.
• Correlation of multi-scale structural features with biomedical functions.

Main Results:

• Detailed understanding of hydrogel self-assembly and stimuli-responsive properties.
• Established links between nanostructures, architecture, mechanical properties, and functions.
• Comprehensive overview of applications in tissue regeneration, drug delivery, cell therapy, immunomodulation, and anti-infectives.

Conclusions:

• Programmable peptide hydrogels hold significant potential as next-generation platforms for precision regenerative medicine.
• Addressing challenges like batch inconsistency and in vivo stability is crucial for clinical translation.
• Future directions include AI-assisted design, computational modeling, and hybrid material development.