Local delivery of proteins and the use of self-assembling peptides.
Self-assembling peptides are members of a new class of molecules designed for tissue engineering and protein delivery. Upon injection in a physiological environment, self-assembling peptides form stable nanofiber hydrogels. Such biocompatible nanofibers can support three-dimensional growth and differentiation of many cell types. Self-assembling peptides are promising candidates for protein delivery, because they allow non-covalent binding of proteins, tethering of proteins, or incorporation of fusion proteins. Self-assembling peptides can be designed to deliver individual proteins or multiple factors, because the building blocks comprising self-assembling peptides can be designed with great flexibility.
Segers
Vincent F M
VF
Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Lee
Richard T
RT
D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D036103:Nanotechnology; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D015202:Protein Engineering; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D004337:Drug Carriers; D010455:Peptides; D011506:Proteins