Nanostructures by self-assembling peptide amphiphile as potential selective drug carriers

Biopolymers. 2007;88(2):115-21. doi: 10.1002/bip.20648.

Abstract

The self-assembling behavior, at physiological pH, of the amphiphile peptide (C18)(2)L5CCK8 in nanostructures is reported. Stable aggregates presenting a critical micellar concentration of 2 x 10(-6) mol kg(-1), and characterized by water exposed CCK8 peptide in beta-sheet conformation, are obtained. Small angle neutron scattering experiments are indicative for a 3D structure with dimensions > or =100 nm. AFM images confirm the presence of nanostructures. Fluorescence experiments indicating the sequestration of pyrene, chosen as drug model, and the anticancer Doxorubicin within the nanostructures are reported.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Neutron Diffraction
  • Scattering, Small Angle
  • Sincalide / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sincalide / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Doxorubicin
  • Sincalide