Peptide Amphiphiles (PAs) are a broad class of self-assembling molecules shown to have numerous applications in promoting stem cell differentiation and hierarchical cell ordering. Here we describe a series of PAs were designed as contrast agents. These assemblies were characterized using cryogenic electron microscopy and small angle x-ray scattering, and have been shown to exhibit rotational correlation time (tR)-modulated relaxivity by nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD). It was found that material processing conditions could reduce water exchange lifetime (tM). In vivo analysis of these agents successfully detected track a PA gel in the murine leg after intramuscular injection and verified that the material remained unchanged for 4 days. These results indicate that the agents synthesized can serve as fate-mapping agents for PA gels in vivo over periods relevant to regenerative medicine applications.

Self-assembling peptide nanofibers modulate water exchange and report biomaterial localization <i>in vivo</i>

247th National Meeting (2014)

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Self-assembling peptide nanofibers modulate water exchange and report biomaterial localization in vivo