Facile Control over the Supramolecular Ordering of Self-assembled Peptide Scaffolds by Simultaneous Assembly with a Polysacharride

Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 6;7(1):4797. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-04643-3.

Abstract

Enabling control over macromolecular ordering and the spatial distribution of structures formed via the mechanisms of molecular self-assembly is a challenge that could yield a range of new functional materials. In particular, using the self-assembly of minimalist peptides, to drive the incorporation of large complex molecules will allow a functionalization strategy for the next generation of biomaterial engineering. Here, for the first time, we show that co-assembly with increasing concentrations of a highly charged polysaccharide, fucoidan, the microscale ordering of Fmoc-FRGDF peptide fibrils and subsequent mechanical properties of the resultant hydrogel can be easily and effectively manipulated without disruption to the nanofibrillar structure of the assembly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Carbohydrate Conformation
  • Fluorenes / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Materials Testing
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry*
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry*
  • Polysaccharides / ultrastructure
  • Rheology

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Fluorenes
  • Hydrogels
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Oligopeptides
  • Polysaccharides
  • fucoidan