Lipase-supported synthesis of peptidic hydrogels

Self-assembling gelling peptides are increasingly being investigated as defined biomatrices for biomedical applications. Using an enzymatic reaction to convert a precursor into a hydrogelator one can control or modulate functions and responses of a hydrogel, depending on its preparation conditions. This work details the self-assembly, under physiological conditions, of amphiphilic building blocks consisting of tripeptides (Phe(3)) linked to fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) obtained by using a lipase to link an Fmoc-Phe amino acid to the dipeptide diphenylalanine (Phe(2)). The viscoelastic properties of the tripeptides obtained were investigated. SEM and AFM images of Fmoc- peptides confirmed that they self-assemble to generate supramolecular aggregates driven by pi-pi stacking interactions of the Fmoc groups.