Co-assembled C13-dipeptide hydrogels by Gallic Acid (CA) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with antibacterial activity

Abstract

The self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels have been widely utilized in foods. However, the self-assembled hydrogels still have some shortages such as low mechanical properties and hydrogel stabilities. Herein, we designed two co-assembled C13-WS hydrogels conjugated by Gallic Acid (CA) and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). The introduction of CA and EGCG into C13-WS hydrogels can significantly improve the mechanical properties and hydrogel stabilities. The storage modulus (G’) values of co-assembled C13-WS/CA and C13-WS/EGCG were 13.33 KPa and 16 KPa, respectively. From transmission electron microscope (TEM) results, CA and EGCG contributed to the rearrangement of C13-WS molecules during co-assembly. Moreover, the self-/co-assembled C13-WS hydrogels showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis. The introduction of CA and EGCG significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of C13-WS hydrogels. Our findings provide a novel strategy for the development of stable supramolecular antibacterial short peptide hydrogels through co-assembly.