Superstructured Biomaterials Formed by Exchange Dynamics and Host-Guest Interactions in Supramolecular Polymers

Dynamic and reversible assembly of molecules is ubiquitous in the hierarchical superstructures of living systems and plays a key role in cellular functions. Recent work from the laboratory reported on the reversible formation of such superstructures in systems of peptide amphiphiles conjugated to oligonucleotides and electrostatically complimentary peptide sequences. Here, a supramolecular system is reported upon where exchange dynamics and host-guest interactions between beta-cyclodextrin and adamantane on peptide amphiphiles lead to superstructure formation. Superstructure formation with bundled nanoribbons generates a mechanically robust hydrogel with a highly porous architecture that can be 3D printed. Functionalization of the porous superstructured material with a biological signal results in a matrix with significant in vitro bioactivity toward neurons that could be used as a supramolecular model to design novel biomaterials.

Automated summary

The study reports a supramolecular system where interactions between peptide amphiphiles and beta-cyclodextrin with adamantane lead to the formation of a mechanically robust hydrogel with highly porous architecture, which can be 3D printed and exhibits significant bioactivity towards neurons. This nanostructured hydrogel based on supramolecular assembly has potential applications in neuronal research and biomaterial design.