pH-Responsive Self-Assembling Peptide-Based Biomaterials: Designs and Applications

Stimuli-responsive peptide-based biomaterials are increas-ingly gaining interest for various specific and targeted treatments, including drug delivery and tissue engineering. Among all stimuli, pH can be especially useful because endogenous pH changes are often associated with abnormal microenvironments. pH-Responsive amino acids and organic linkers can be easily incorporated into peptides that self-assemble into various nanostructures. Thus, these largely biocompatible and easily tunable platforms are ideal candidates for drug release and as fibrous materials capable of mimicking the native extracellular matrix. In this review, we highlight common design motifs and mechanisms of pH -responsiveness in self-assembling peptide-based biomaterials, focusing on recent advances of these biomaterials applied in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Finally, we suggest future challenges and areas for potential development in pH-responsive self-assembling peptide -based biomaterials.

Automated summary

Stimuli-responsive peptide-based biomaterials, particularly pH-responsive ones, have great potential in drug delivery and tissue engineering. By incorporating pH-responsive amino acids and organic linkers into peptides, they can self-assemble into various nanostructures. These biocompatible and adjustable platforms are ideal for drug release and mimicking the extracellular matrix. This review focuses on the design motifs and mechanisms of pH-responsiveness in self-assembling peptide-based biomaterials, highlighting recent advances in drug delivery and tissue engineering, and discussing future challenges and areas for development.