Materials with hierarchical and dynamical structures over multiple length scales are found throughout nature, including within tissues in the human body. Inspired by these complex systems, we have designed peptides that mimic key aspects of the structure of human collagen and are functionalized with i) sticky ends to facilitate assembly of long fibrils and ii) reactive groups (e.g., alkenes, azides) for subsequent covalent modification (e.g., crosslinking with multifunctional macromers or labeling with fluorophores). We have examined how peptide assembly and processing conditions (pH, salt, concentration) influence nanostructure in solution and the resulting properties upon incorporation of assembled subunits within hydrogels with light-mediated thiol–ene click chemistry. The initial and temporal multiscale properties of these systems have been probed with rheometry, electron microscopy, and light microscopy, as well as indirectly with observations of cell response to the resulting synthetic matrices. This approach is promising for the bottom-up design of multifunctional assembling peptide systems and nanostructured hydrogels for a variety of applications, including controlled cell culture and therapeutic delivery.

Multiscale property control through self-assembly and photopolymerization

2019 Fall National Meeting

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