Design, Computational Assessment, and Experimental Characterization of a Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel.

ABSTRACT: Self-assembling peptides (SAPs) are emerging as promising biomaterials for applications in drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering, where they form hydrogel scaffolds made of nanostructures such as fibrils, ribbons, and sheets through noncovalent interactions. However, the rational design of SAPs with predictable properties remains a significant challenge, necessitating a combination of computational and experimental methodologies. This study introduces peptide FDFK12 (FDFKFDFKFDFK), derived from peptide LDLK12 (LDLKLDLKLDLK) by substituting leucine with phenylalanine to introduce aromatic interactions, enhance π-π stacking-driven self-assembly, and promote favorable interactions with genipin via phenylalanine's aromatic rings, thereby facilitating cross-linking. The s

SUBMITTER: Malik A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12365868 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature