Molecules, Vol. 28, Pages 4390: Antibacterial and Cytocompatible pH-Responsive Peptide Hydrogel

Molecules, Vol. 28, Pages 4390: Antibacterial and Cytocompatible pH-Responsive Peptide Hydrogel

Molecules doi: 10.3390/molecules28114390

Authors: Dona Imanga Upamadi Edirisinghe Areetha D’Souza Maryam Ramezani Robert J. Carroll Quenten Chicón Cheyene L. Muenzel Jonathan Soule Mary Beth Browning Monroe Alison E. Patteson Olga V. Makhlynets

A short peptide, FHHF-11, was designed to change stiffness as a function of pH due to changing degree of protonation of histidines. As pH changes in the physiologically relevant range, G′ was measured at 0 Pa (pH 6) and 50,000 Pa (pH 8). This peptide-based hydrogel is antimicrobial and cytocompatible with skin cells (fibroblasts). It was demonstrated that the incorporation of unnatural AzAla tryptophan analog residue improves the antimicrobial properties of the hydrogel. The material developed can have a practical application and be a paradigm shift in the approach to wound treatment, and it will improve healing outcomes for millions of patients each year.