New Hydrogels Based on Agarose/Phytagel and Peptides

Abstract

Short aromatic peptide derivatives, i.e., peptides or amino acids modified with aromatic groups, such as 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc), can self-assemble into extracellular matrix-like hydrogels due to their nanofibrillar architecture. Among different types of amino acids, lysine (Lys) and glycine (Gly) are involved in multiple physiological processes, being key factors in the proper growth of cells, carnitine production, and collagen formation. The authors have previously successfully presented the possibility of obtaining supramolecular gels based on Fmoc-Lys-Fmoc and short peptides such as Fmoc-Gly-Gly-Gly in order to use them as a substrate for cell cultures. This paper investigates how the introduction of a gelling polymer can influence the properties of the network as well as the compatibility of the resulting materials with different cell types. A series of hydrogel compositions consisting of combinations of Fmoc-Lys-Fmoc and Fmoc-Gly-Gly-Gly with Agarose and Phytagel are thus obtained. All compositions form structured gels as shown by rheological studies and scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis evidences the formation of H-bonds between the polysaccharides and amino acids or short peptides. Moreover, all gels exhibit good cell viability on fibroblasts as demonstrated by a live-dead staining test and good in vivo biocompatibility, which highlights the great potential of these biomaterials for biomedical applications.

Characterization of gelling agents in callus inducing media: Physical properties and their effect on callus growth

“…This is, in fact, a measurement for the strength of the cross‐linked network while deforming the media. In agreement with earlier work, media containing 1.2% agar was the most difficult to break down (Nita et al, 2023), suggesting a strong cross‐linked network. The 0.25% Gelrite was the easiest to break, showing the weakest total cross‐link bonds.…”

Characterization of gelling agents in callus inducing media: Physical properties and their effect on callus development

“…This is, in fact, a measurement for the strength of the cross-linked network while deforming the media. In agreement with earlier work, media containing 1.2% agar was the most difficult to break down 43 suggesting a strong cross-linked network. The 0.25% Gelrite was the easiest to break, showing the weakest total cross-link bonds.…”

The effect of antimicrobial peptide HX‐12C on the properties of chitosan/polyacrylic acid hydrogel

“…For instance, charged groups, such as imidazole, guanidine, amino, and carboxyl groups, can undergo crosslinking with charged polymers through electrostatic interactions under specific pH conditions. Additionally, amide bonds (CONH) can be crosslinked with frameworks such as chitosan or the peptide itself through hydrogen bonding 37,38 . In general, the characteristics of hydrogels are primarily regulated by various factors, including high‐quality materials, component ratios, crosslinking agents, and environmental conditions (pH, temperature, and light) 39–41 .…”

“…Additionally, amide bonds ( CO NH ) can be crosslinked with frameworks such as chitosan or the peptide itself through hydrogen bonding. 37,38 In general, the characteristics of hydrogels are primarily regulated by various factors, including high-quality materials, component ratios, crosslinking agents, and environmental conditions (pH, temperature, and light). [39][40][41] However, the effect of AMPs on the property of hydrogels still required further investigation.…”