Electrospinning of tyrosine-based oligopeptides: Self-assembly or forced assembly?

Short oligomeric peptides typically do not exhibit the entanglements required for the formation of nanofibers via electrospinning. In this study, the synthesis of nanofibers composed of tyrosine-based dipeptides via electrospinning, has been demonstrated. The morphology, mechanical stiffness, biocompatibility, and stability under physiological conditions of such biodegradable nanofibers were characterized. The electrospun peptide nanofibers have diameters less than 100 nm and high mechanical stiffness. Raman and infrared signatures of the peptide nanofibers indicate that the electrostatic forces and solvents used in the electrospinning process lead to secondary structures different from self-assembled nanostructures composed of similar peptides. Crosslinking of the dipeptide nanofibers using 1,6-diisohexanecyanate (HMDI) improved the physiological stability, and initial biocompatibility testing with human and rat neural cell lines indicate no cytotoxicity. Such electrospun peptides open up a realm of biomaterials design with specific biochemical compositions for potential biomedical applications such as tissue repair, drug delivery, and coatings for implants.