Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels for local drug delivery

Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels have shown great promise as drug delivery systems (DDSs) because of their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, biological function, synthetic feasibility, and responsiveness to external stimuli. Self-assembling peptide molecules are able rationally designed into specific nanoarchitectures in response to the different environmental factors under different circumstances. Among all stimuli that have been investigated, utilizing inherent biological microenvironment, such as metal ions, enzymes and endogenous redox species, to trigger self-assembly endows such systems spatiotemporal controllability to transport therapeutics more accurately. Materials formed by weak non-covalent interactions result in the shear-thinning and immediate recovery behavior. Thus, they are injectable via a syringe or catheter, making them the ideal vehicles to deliver drugs. Based on the above merits, self-assembling peptide-based DDSs have been applied to treat various diseases via direct administration at the lesion site. Herein, in this review, we outline the triggers for inducing peptide-based hydrogels formation and serving as DDSs. We also described the advancements of peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels for local drug delivery, including intratumoral, subcutaneous, ischemiarelated tissue (intramyocardial, intrarenal, and ischemic hind limb), and ocular administration. Finally, we give a brief perspective about the prospects and challenges in this field.& nbsp; (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels have shown great promise as drug delivery systems due to their excellent biocompatibility, response to external stimuli, and ability to self-assemble into specific nanostructures in different environments. Utilizing inherent biological microenvironment as stimuli can provide spatiotemporal controllability for transporting therapeutics more accurately. These materials formed by weak non-covalent interactions exhibit shear-thinning and immediate recovery behavior, making them injectable and ideal for drug delivery.