Enzymatic activation of cell-penetrating peptides in self-assembled nanostructures triggers fibre-to-micelle morphological transition

Yejiao Shi, Yang Hu, Guy Ochbaum, Ran Lin, Ronit Bitton, Honggang Cui, Helena S. Azevedo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report here a proof-of-concept design of a multi-domain cell-penetrating peptide amphiphile (CPPA) which can self-assemble into fibrous nanostructures and transform into spherical micelles upon enzymatic degradation by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) up-regulated in the tumour environment. Concomitant with this morphological transition, the cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), which was previously buried inside the CPPA fibers, could be presented on the surface of the CPPA micelles, enhancing their cell-penetrating ability. These multifunctional and enzyme-responsive CPP nanostructures hold potential as nanocarriers for tumour-targeted intracellular delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7037-7040
Number of pages4
JournalChemical Communications
Volume53
Issue number52
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Catalysis
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • General Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

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