Hybrid membrane biomaterials from self-assembly in polysaccharide and peptide amphiphile mixtures: controllable structural and mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Macroscopic capsules, with tunable properties based on hierarchical self-assembly on multiple lengthscales, are prepared from the co-operative self-assembly of polysaccharide and peptide amphiphiles. Different formulations can be used to create flexible membrane sacs in solution, soft capsules or rigid free-standing capsules. Samples are prepared by injecting a solution containing sodium alginate, with or without graphene oxide (GO), into a matrix consisting of a solution containing the peptide amphiphile PA C 16 -KKFF (K: lysine, F: phenylalanine), with or without CaCl 2 . Graphene oxide is added to the hybrid materials to modulate the mechanical properties of the capsules. Injection of sodium alginate solution into a pure PA matrix provides a flexible membrane sac in solution, while injection of NaAlg/GO solution into a PA matrix gives a soft capsule. Alternatively, a rigid free-standing capsule is made by injecting a NaAlg/GO solution into a PA + CaCl 2 matrix solution. A comprehensive insight into the hierarchical order within the capsules is provided through analysis of X-ray scattering data. A novel "Langmuir-Blodgett" mechanism is proposed to account for the formation of the sacs and capsules as the alginate solution is injected at the interface of the PA solution. The capsules show a unique antibacterial effect specific for the Gram positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is an important human pathogen. The hybrid nanostructured capsules thus have remarkable bioactivity and due to their tunable structural and functional properties are likely to have a diversity of other future applications.

Supramolecular Peptide/Polymer Hybrid Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

“…Peptide amphiphiles (PAs) have been widely investigated in these co‐assembling systems. Several studies have reported the co‐assembly of peptide amphiphiles with polysaccharides of opposite charge (heparin, hyaluronic acid, alginate, carrageenan), which resulted in the formation of diverse type of biomaterials such as sacs, membranes, microcapsules, and microparticles . MDPs have been also self‐assembled with negatively charged biopolymers such as heparin to form hydrogels or with hyaluronic acid (HA) to create patterned and periosteum‐like membranes.…”

The Effect of Lipidation on the Self-Assembly of the Gut-Derived Peptide Hormone PYY3–36

“…59 Castelletto et al reported the observation of hydrogels for three lipidated peptides containing a lumican peptide sequence and three different lipid chain lengths (C12-, C14-and C16-) by pH adjustment. 60 Uniquely, these hydrogels are based on nanotape structures rather than cylindrical fibrils. A recent report shows that it is possible to create hydrogels from -helical peptides by careful design of the sequence.…”

Next-generation precision antimicrobials: towards personalized treatment of infectious diseases

“…For example, cathelicidin LL-37 has been grafted on silanized titanium surfaces, and the final material presents selective activity against E. coli strain K12 [47]. Another example is the lipopeptide C 16 -KKFF anchored in hybrid biomaterial membranes that generate capsules that are active against Listeria monocytogenes , S. aureus , and E. faecalis [48]. Immobilized antimicrobial peptides with antibiofilm activity have also been described, including peptide CWR11 immobilized on catheters via a polydopamine-peptide strategy, which exhibits activity against E. coli , S. aureus , and P. aeruginosa [49].…”