Bioinspired short peptide hydrogel for versatile encapsulation and controlled release of growth factor therapeutics

A short bioinspired octapeptide, GV8, can self-assemble under mild conditions into biodegradable supramolecular physical hydrogels with high storage modulus and good biocompatibility. GV8 hydrogels can encapsulate both single or multiple macromolecular protein-based therapeutics in a simple one-pot formulation manner, making it a promising candidate to address challenges faced by existing synthetic polymer or peptide hydrogels with complex gelation and drug-encapsulation processes. Alongside its versatility, the hydrogel exhibits concentration-dependent storage modulus and controlled drug-release action. We demonstrate that GV8 hydrogels loaded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) secretome remain mechanically robust, and exhibit promising potential for wound healing applications by preserving secretome activity while maintaining a constant supply of ADMSC secretome to promote epithelial cell migration. Overall, our work highlights the potential of GV8 peptide hydrogel as a versatile and safe carrier for encapsulation and delivery of macromolecular therapeutics. Statement of significance Supramolecular peptide hydrogels are a popular choice for protein-based macromolecular therapeutics delivery; however, despite the development of abundant hydrogel systems, several challenges limit their adaptability and practical applications. GV8 short peptide hydrogel circumvents these drawbacks and demonstrates the ability to function as a versatile growth factor (GF) encapsulant. It can encapsulate precise concentrations of complex adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells secretome mixtures with a one-pot formulation approach and perform controlled release of GFs with preserved activity without compromising the self-assembly and mechanical properties of the hydrogel's supramolecular network. The significance of GV8 hydrogel lies in its gelation simplicity and versatility to encapsulate and deliver macromolecular therapeutics, thus representing a promising biomaterial for regenerative medicine applications. (C) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The bioinspired octapeptide GV8 can self-assemble into biodegradable physical hydrogels, encapsulating macromolecular therapeutics and exhibiting controlled drug release. It shows promise for wound healing applications by maintaining growth factor activity and promoting epithelial cell migration. This versatile and safe carrier represents a promising biomaterial for regenerative medicine applications.