Nanocomposite Hydrogels with Self‐Assembling Peptide‐Functionalized Carbon Nanostructures

Abstract

Carbon nanostructures (CNSs) are attractive components to attain nanocomposites, yet their hydrophobic nature and strong tendency to aggregate often limit their use in aqueous conditions and negatively impact their properties. In this work, carbon nanohorns (CNHs), multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and graphene (G) are first oxidized, and then reacted to covalently anchor the self‐assembling tripeptide L‐Leu‐D‐Phe‐D‐Phe to improve their dispersibility in phosphate buffer, and favor the formation of hydrogels formed by the self‐organizing L‐Leu‐D‐Phe‐D‐Phe present in solution. The obtained nanocomposites are then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), oscillatory rheology, and conductivity measurements to gain useful insights as to the key factors that determine self‐healing ability for the future design of this type of nanocomposites.

Injectable self-assembled GDF5-containing dipeptide hydrogels for enhanced tendon repair

“…To achieve this, researchers need to incorporate several improvements. First, the physical and chemical properties of self-assembled hydrogels must be improved by optimizing their preparation methods [ 28 , 32 , 33 ]. Second, other bioactive substances, such as growth factors and cytokines, could be added to promote the proliferation and differentiation of tendon cells [ [34] , [35] , [36] ].…”