A peptide from human semenogelin I self-assembles into a pH-responsive hydrogel

Soft Matter. 2015 Jan 14;11(2):414-21. doi: 10.1039/c4sm01793e.

Abstract

The peptide GSFSIQYTYHV derived from human semenogelin I forms a transparent hydrogel through spontaneous self-assembly in water at neutral pH. Linear rheology measurements demonstrate that the gel shows a dominating elastic response over a large frequency interval. CD, fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy and cryo-TEM studies imply long fibrillar aggregates of extended β-sheet. Dynamic light scattering data indicate that the fibril lengths are of the order of micrometers. Time-dependent thioflavin T fluorescence shows that fibril formation by GSFSIQYTYHV is a nucleated reaction. The peptide may serve as basis for development of smart biomaterials of low immunogenicity suitable for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and wound healing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Rheology
  • Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins / chemistry*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins
  • seminal vesicle-specific antigen
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate