Tunable supramolecular gel properties by varying thermal history

YesThe possibility of using differential pre‐heating prior to supramolecular gelation to control the balance between hydrogen‐bonding and aromatic stacking interactions in supramolecular gels and obtain consequent systematic regulation of structure and properties is demonstrated. Using a model aromatic peptide amphiphile, Fmoc‐tyrosyl‐leucine (Fmoc‐YL) and a combination of fluorescence, infrared, circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy, it is shown that the balance of these interactions can be adjusted by temporary exposure to elevated temperatures in the range 313–365 K, followed by supramolecular locking in the gel state by cooling to room temperature. Distinct regimes can be identified regarding the balance between H‐bonding and aromatic stacking interactions, with a transition point at 333 K. Consequently, gels can be obtained with customizable properties, including supramolecular chirality and gel stiffness. The differential supramolecular structures also result in changes in proteolytic stability, highlighting the possibility of obtaining a range of supramolecular architectures from a single molecular structure by simply controlling the pre‐assembly temperature.FP7 Ideas: European Research Council. Grant Number: 25877

Enzyme-responsive hydrogels for biomedical applications

This chapter highlights recent developments in enzyme-responsive gels. The focus is on peptide-based small-molecule hydrogels, for biomedical applications. The use of enzymes in this context provides a powerful methodology for controlled assembly, taking advantage of both biological selectivity and catalytic amplification. The building blocks for self-assembly and basic design rules for small molecule peptide gelators are discussed first. This is followed by a discussion of key features of biocatalytic self-assembly of hydrogels, focusing on control of nanoscale organization and consequent function. Finally, the potential applications of the enzyme-responsive hydrogels as biomaterials are discussed in the areas of cell culture, drug delivery, biosensing, and control of cell fate

Peptide-amphiphiles Functionalization Via Co-assembly for Cell Culture

No abstract available

Peptide-amphiphiles Functionalization Via Co-assembly for Cell Culture

No abstract available