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Hierarchical assembly of tryptophan zipper peptides into stress-relaxing bioactive hydrogels

Author

Listed:
  • Ashley K. Nguyen

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales)

  • Thomas G. Molley

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales Sydney)

  • Egi Kardia

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales)

  • Sylvia Ganda

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales)

  • Sudip Chakraborty

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Sharon L. Wong

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales)

  • Juanfang Ruan

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Bethany E. Yee

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales)

  • Jitendra Mata

    (University of New South Wales
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization)

  • Abhishek Vijayan

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales)

  • Naresh Kumar

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Richard D. Tilley

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales)

  • Shafagh A. Waters

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales)

  • Kristopher A. Kilian

    (University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales
    University of New South Wales Sydney
    University of New South Wales)

Abstract

Soft materials in nature are formed through reversible supramolecular assembly of biological polymers into dynamic hierarchical networks. Rational design has led to self-assembling peptides with structural similarities to natural materials. However, recreating the dynamic functional properties inherent to natural systems remains challenging. Here we report the discovery of a short peptide based on the tryptophan zipper (trpzip) motif, that shows multiscale hierarchical ordering that leads to emergent dynamic properties. Trpzip hydrogels are antimicrobial and self-healing, with tunable viscoelasticity and unique yield-stress properties that allow immediate harvest of embedded cells through a flick of the wrist. This characteristic makes Trpzip hydrogels amenable to syringe extrusion, which we demonstrate with examples of cell delivery and bioprinting. Trpzip hydrogels display innate bioactivity, allowing propagation of human intestinal organoids with apical-basal polarization. Considering these extensive attributes, we anticipate the Trpzip motif will prove a versatile building block for supramolecular assembly of soft materials for biotechnology and medicine.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashley K. Nguyen & Thomas G. Molley & Egi Kardia & Sylvia Ganda & Sudip Chakraborty & Sharon L. Wong & Juanfang Ruan & Bethany E. Yee & Jitendra Mata & Abhishek Vijayan & Naresh Kumar & Richard D. Til, 2023. "Hierarchical assembly of tryptophan zipper peptides into stress-relaxing bioactive hydrogels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-41907-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41907-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Toshiro Sato & Robert G. Vries & Hugo J. Snippert & Marc van de Wetering & Nick Barker & Daniel E. Stange & Johan H. van Es & Arie Abo & Pekka Kujala & Peter J. Peters & Hans Clevers, 2009. "Single Lgr5 stem cells build crypt-villus structures in vitro without a mesenchymal niche," Nature, Nature, vol. 459(7244), pages 262-265, May.
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