Hydrogels, 3D polymeric networks capable of storing large amounts of water, have been extensively studied and used as matrix for biomedical applications. Particularly, they are commonly chosen for applications in regenerative medicine because of their biocompatibility, innate structural similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM), and ability to provide suitable biological environments for cell proliferation. Recently, we have developed a series of short synthetic peptides made of 8-12 amino acids. The peptide amphiphiles self-assembled into hydrogels with tunable mechanical strength, reversible rheological behaviors and sustainable stability. The peptide hydrogels are biocompatible with hMSCs and human natural killer cells, and demonstrated great potential to be used as a cell delivery carrier to support cell proliferation. Beta sheet-forming antimicrobial peptides were incorporated into the hydrogels through electrostatic interaction, to form a hybrid antimicrobial peptide hydrogel. The hybrid hydrogel exhibited shear-thinning and recovery rheological behavior, and demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various clinically relevant microbes. This antimicrobial hybrid peptide hydrogel showed great potential for use in prevention and treatment of bacterial and fungal infections including diabetic foot ulcer infection.

Self-assembly of short synthetic peptides into hydrogels for biomedical applications

2019 Fall National Meeting

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