title: Macrocyclic peptides self-assemble into robust vesicles with molecular recognition capabilities.
abstract: In this study, we developed macrocyclic peptide building blocks that formed self-assembled peptide vesicles with molecular recognition capabilities. Macrocyclic peptides were significantly different from conventional amphiphiles, in that they could self-assemble into vesicles at very high hydrophilic-to-total mass ratios. The flexibility of the hydrophobic self-assembly segment was critical for vesicle formation. The unique features of this peptide vesicle system include a homogeneous size distribution, unusually small size, and robust structural and thermal stability. The peptide vesicles successfully entrapped a hydrophilic model drug, released the payload very slowly, and were internalized by cells in a highly efficient manner. Moreover, the peptide vesicles exhibited molecular recognition capabilities, in that they selectively bound to target RNA through surface-displayed peptides. This study demonstrates that self-assembled peptide vesicles can be used as strong intracellular delivery vehicles that recognize specific biomacromolecular targets.
authors.affiliation: Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control and Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Yonsei University , Seoul 120-749, Korea.
authors.forename: Woo-jin
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.forename: Yong-beom
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Lim
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D042541:Intracellular Space / Q000378:metabolism; D047028:Macrocyclic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D011487:Protein Conformation; D021381:Protein Transport; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D047028:Macrocyclic Compounds; D010455:Peptides