Surface-Induced Peptide Nanofibers for Selective Bacteria Trapping

Abstract

The abuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of various drug-resistant bacterial strains that threaten human health. Other than a continuous screen for antibiotics, alternative strategies need to be adopted to inhibit bacterial invasion. Herein, we de novo designed a self-assembling peptide that contains a bacteria-binding domain, a linker, and a self-assembly motif. This peptide could specifically bind with a surface protein on Staphylococcus aureus, subsequently self-assemble to form nanofibers, and selectively engulf and trap the bacteria. Thus, these trapped bacteria lack the ability to invade host cells and are unable to form a biofilm. More importantly, the designed peptide is nontoxic to human cells. Such a “trap but not kill” strategy could serve as an alternative to conventional antibiotics and shows great potential for treating bacteria.

In situ peptide assemblies for bacterial infection imaging and treatment

“…In another related study, Shi and co-workers synthesized a peptide N-K10 by conjugating a clumping factor B (ClfB, a receptor protein expressed on the S. aureus cell wall)-targeting ligand SSGGGSSGGGH to the self-assembling motif Nap-FF via a diglycine linker. 58 According to the authors, N-K10 could specifically recognize ClfB-rich bacteria ( i.e. , S. aureus and MRSA) and further self-assemble into nanofibers to trap the bacteria.…”

Co-assembled Supramolecular Hydrogel of Salvianolic Acid B and a Phosphopeptide for Enhanced Wound Healing

“…Self-assembly, a fundamental process in nature, plays a vital role in various biological phenomena, including cell integrity, cellular functions, and disease processes. – Inspired by these natural processes, researchers have recently discovered molecules capable of self-assembling into nanofibers in water, leading to the formation of supramolecular hydrogels through reversible, noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, aromatic–aromatic interaction, hydrophobic interactions, ionic interactions, and van der Waals forces. , Supramolecular hydrogels have emerged as excellent materials for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue regeneration, disease treatment, and biosensors, owing to their biocompatibility, predictable degradation rate, and adjustable mechanical properties. – Notably, there has been significant progress in the development of self-assembled supramolecular hydrogels using small organic molecules, particularly those derived from natural products. Supramolecular natural product gels (NPGs) are formed through the self-assembly of small molecular metabolites obtained from natural sources such as traditional Chinese medicine, under specific conditions .…”