Design and Application of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9-Responsive Peptide Nanostructures

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive materials have been investigated since the late 1990’s as scaffolds for tissue engineering and since then, have evolved into sophisticated nanomaterials for cancer-targeting therapy. In this thesis titled, “Design and Application of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9-Responsive Peptide Nanostructures,” we aim to answer the following key questions: can MMP-responsive nanomaterials improve the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments? How can we achieve specificity towards MMPs using nanomaterials? Finally, what are the advantages in using peptides as building blocks to create MMP-responsive nanostructures? Each chapter in the thesis will address one or more of the key questions and draw conclusions at the end