Radiation and non-targeted chemotherapy are non-specific and highly detrimental to the human body. The objective is to design a novel methodology in targeted drug delivery using hybrid collagen mimetic peptides/cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). The peptide is designed to translocate across the membrane and carry the molecular cargo, only when folded into triple helix (preferred secondary structure). In order for the peptides to form a triple helix, the peptide must be maintained below its transition temperature (Tm). The peptide used in this experiment has a Tm around 15°C, confirmed by circular dichroism. Peptides were administered, in vivo, to a fresh water worm, Pristina leidyi, under varying temperatures (4°C - 37°C). The goal was to observe uptake of the peptide in the skin tissue. Peptide uptake was verified by confocal microscopy at 635 nm to exclude autofluorescence in the chaetae (bristles) of the worm and autofluorescence caused by riboflavin in coelomocytes. Preliminary results show that peptide uptake in the skin is dependent on temperature. The aim is to direct peptide delivery to a specific location by locally controlling the temperature.

Utilizing temperature gradients to direct peptide translocation in Pristina leidyi as a model for targeted drug delivery

251st National Meeting (2016)

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