Folding driven self-assembly of a stimuli-responsive peptide-hyaluronan hybrid hydrogel.

ABSTRACT: Protein-metal ion interactions are ubiquitous in nature and can be utilized for controlling the self-assembly of complex supramolecular architectures and materials. Here, a tunable supramolecular hydrogel is described, obtained by self-assembly of a Zn²⁺-responsive peptide-hyaluronic acid hybrid synthesized using strain promoted click chemistry. Addition of Zn²⁺ triggers folding of the peptides into a helix-loop-helix motif and dimerization into four-helix bundles, resulting in hydrogelation. Removal of the Zn²⁺ by chelators results in rapid hydrogel disassembly. Degradation of the hydrogels can also be time-programed by encapsulation of a hydrolyzing enzyme within the gel, offering multiple possibilities for modulating materials properties and release of e

SUBMITTER: Selegard R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5539109 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature