Designed Self-Assembled Peptides Matrices as a Modular Platform for Improving Regeneration and Drug Delivery in Bone Tissue

The rationale design and fabrication strategies of biomaterials or biological materials with diverse molecular architectures and functionalities are steadily advancing, since Beta-TCP is well established as granules, wedges, foams and pastes for different applications [1]. In changing the porosity, the inner surface and resorption/degradation velocity of the TCP biomaterials can be directed [2]. After modifying the structure and material characteristics of the biomaterial, the biological activation by organic substances for enhancing bone formation could be of interest [3]. We have developed macroscopic matrices composed of amphiphilic and acidic b-sheet peptides amenable to bottom-up design and production of functional biomaterials. These peptides can be triggered to assemble into unique hydrogel structures, sponges and combined with calcium-phosphate mineral particles (TCP) to form pastes and putties. The peptide matrices are rich in negatively charged residues that are stabilized by extensive hydrogen bond networks, and ionic and hydrophobic interactions. We have recently demonstrated the potential advantages of these acidic hydrogels, combined with calcium phosphate mineral, in serving as efficient cargo to calcium ions while improving differentiation of osteogenic cell in vitro and inducing bone regeneration in vivo in animal models. These systems provide a modular platform for regeneration as well as for drug-delivery applications in bone tissue