Amphiphilic peptides as novel nanomaterials: design, self-assembly and application

Abstract

Feng Qiu,1,2 Yongzhu Chen,2,3 Chengkang Tang,2,4 Xiaojun Zhao2 1Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; 2Institute for Nanobiomedical Technology and Membrane Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; 3Periodical Press of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; 4Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China Abstract: Designer self-assembling peptides are a category of emerging nanobiomaterials which have been widely investigated in the past decades. In this field, amphiphilic peptides have received special attention for their simplicity in design and versatility in application. This review focuses on recent progress in designer amphiphilic peptides, trying to give a comprehensive overview about this special type of self-assembling peptides. By exploring published studies on several typical types of amphiphilic peptides in recent years, herein we discuss in detail the basic design, self-assembling behaviors and the mechanism of amphiphilic peptides, as well as how their nanostructures are affected by the peptide characteristics or environmental parameters. The applications of these peptides as potential nanomaterials for nanomedicine and nanotechnology are also summarized. Keywords: amphiphilic peptides, self-assembly, nanomaterials

Keywords

• amphiphilic peptides
• self-assembly
• nanomaterials