title: Biofabrication of genipin-crosslinked peptide hydrogels and their use in the controlled delivery of naproxen.
abstract: The synthesis and optimization of peptide-based hydrogel materials have gained growing interest in the last years, thanks to their properties, that make them appealing for diverse biotechnological applications, with a particular focus in the field of biomedicine. The self-assembling abilities of low molecular weight peptides make them ideal for designing advanced materials using mild reaction conditions. In this work, a biocatalytic approach has been used for the synthesis of an Fmoc-tripeptide that is able to self-assemble in water affording a self-supporting hydrogel. The mechanical properties of this material have been enhanced through chemical crosslinking by using a natural compound, genipin, that allows to minimize cytotoxic effects. Moreover, we have tested the potential of the prepared materials to be employed as drug delivery systems using naproxen as an anti-inflammatory model drug, and studying its release kinetics in aqueous medium. The cytotoxicity of the hydrogels has been evaluated, and their mechanical and morphological properties have been studied by rheology and SEM microscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chronopoulou
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Torvergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Yosra
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Toumia
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Torvergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cerroni
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pandolfi
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Torvergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Gaio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Paradossi
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Rome La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Cleofe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Palocci
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D055162:Biocatalysis; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001709:Biotechnology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D020100:Hydrogels; D039823:Iridoids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D009288:Naproxen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D012212:Rheology
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D020100:Hydrogels; D039823:Iridoids; D009842:Oligopeptides; D009288:Naproxen; C007834:genipin