Hybrid Interfaces Made of Nanotubes and Backbone-Altered Dipeptides Tune Neuronal Network Architecture

Abstract

Peptides constituted of backbone homologated -amino acids combined with carbon materials offer interesting possibilities in the modulation of cellular functions. In this work we have prepared diphenylalanine and -peptides and conjugated them to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These hybrids were capable to self-assemble into fibrillar dendritic structures enabling the growth of primary hippocampal cells and the modulation of their neuronal functions. In particular, following the deposition of the different nanomaterials on glass substrates, we have evaluated their effects on circuit function and geometry. The geometrical restrictions due to CNT nucleated nodes allowed growing neuronal networks with control over network geometry, and exploring its functional impact. In applications diverse from basic neuroscience, the presence of CNT nodes may be exploited in brain interfaces able to convey highly localized electrical stimuli.

Aromatic Dipeptide Homologue-Based Hydrogels for Photocontrolled Drug Release

“…In addition, the fibrillar nature of the β- and γ-diphenylalanine peptides in water suggests their use to design novel hydrogels. We have also shown that the β- and γ-diphenylalanine peptides conjugated to carbon nanotubes could self-assemble into fibrillar dendritic structures, favor the growth of neuronal cells, and modulate neuronal functions [ 25 ]. Moreover, we previously reported that l -tyrosine can form well-ordered assemblies with different morphologies, such as nanoribbons, fibers, or branched structures [ 26 ].…”

“…Carbon nanomaterials, including CNTs and graphene-family nanomaterials, offer many advantages, not only for neuronal applications [ 25 ], but also as photothermal agents, thanks to their capacity to absorb near-infrared (NIR) light and convert it into heat. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are rolled-up graphene sheets of single-layer carbon atoms.…”