Work

Nonionic peptide amphiphiles and their supramolecular co-assemblies tune charge density and bioactivity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: model for osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, we found that supramolecular assemblies containing nonionic molecules or co-assemblies of both nonionic and ionic PA molecules exhibit greater bioactivity than assemblies containing only charged molecules. We hypothesize that the enhanced bioactivity originates in the synergy between protein binding by PA molecules and increased supramolecular dynamics introduced by the nonionic ethylene glycol segments. Thus, nonionic PAs and their co-assemblies can be used to investigate how charge density and other factors affect bioactivity of water-soluble supramolecular nanostructures.

Source: Journal of Materials Chemistry B

DOI: 10.1039/d6tb00293e

Authors: Jacob A. Lewis, Ronit Freeman, Tristan D. Clemons, Jacqueline M. Godbe, Nicholas Stephanopoulos, Samuel I. Stupp

Institution: Northwestern University

Language: English

Topic: Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Awards: G2564262176, Hybrid Bonding Polymers, Nanotechnology Strategies for Growth of Bones and Teeth, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center