Peptide for Hydrogel Formation

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a synthetic peptide sequence capable of self-assembling into a hydrogel that serves as an artificial extracellular matrix. The unique structure allows for functionalization with biologically relevant ligands like peptides or carbohydrates, enabling the hydrogel to mimic natural cellular environments more accurately and reproducibly than current animal-derived products. These hydrogels are fully synthetic, tunable in composition, and designed for versatile biomedical applications, including cell culture, tissue engineering, and cosmetics.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• As a synthetic extracellular matrix for cultivating stem cells and other cell types in vitro, improving cell growth, differentiation, and viability.
• As scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, including as injectable materials for wound healing, cartilage replacement, or implants.
• For developing tailored 3D cell culture platforms for drug screening and research.
• In cosmetics formulations (e.g., creams or ointments) for skin care or delivery of active compounds.
• As functional hydrogels for delivering pharmaceuticals or bioactive molecules in a controlled fashion.
• For creating customizable biomaterials with adjustable mechanical and chemical properties for a wide range of laboratory or medical uses.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Eliminates batch-to-batch variability and ethical concerns associated with animal-derived materials by providing a fully synthetic, reproducible biomaterial.
• Highly tunable: the peptide sequence and ligand density/composition can be precisely controlled to fit specific application needs.
• Improved biocompatibility and cell viability compared to some existing products; can mimic the natural extracellular environment more closely.
• Allows for multivalent and spatially controlled presentation of biological ligands, enabling sophisticated control over cell behavior.
• Mechanical and chemical properties (such as stiffness, porosity, and water content) can be easily adjusted to suit specific biomedical or cosmetic applications.
• Scalable, solid-phase synthesis compatible with standard peptide chemistry and functionalization techniques, supporting cost-effective manufacturing.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a peptide, comprising n heptad repeat units having a primary structure of LXXLKKE (SEQ ID NO. 1), wherein in one heptad repeat unit one of the X residues is A and the other of the X residues is A, F, Y or W, wherein in n-1 heptad repeat units both X residues are A, wherein n is 2 to 10. This peptide forms a hydrogel that can be used as extracellular matrix for cultivating cells better than currently available products.