23 Jul SELF-ASSEMBLING PEPTIDES INCORPORATING MODIFICATIONS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
Abstract
The invention provides a self-assembling peptide comprising (a) a first amin o acid domain that mediates self-assembly, wherein the domain comprises alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids that are complementary a nd structurally compatible and self-assemble into a macroscopic structure when present in unmodified form; and (b) a second amino acid domain that does not self-assemble in isolated form. In certain embodiments of the invention the second amino acid domain comprises a biologically active peptide motif, e.g. , a peptide motif found in a naturally occurring protein, or a target site for an interaction with a biomolecule. In certain embodiments of the invention t he naturally occurring protein is a component of the extracellular matrix, e.g. , a component of the basement membrane. The invention further provides scaffol ds comprising the self-assembling peptides and methods of using the scaffolds including for cell culture, tissue engineering, and tissue repair.
Year: 2005
Country: CA
Doc No: 2530482