Towards peptide-based 2D and 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering in Otolaryngology

Abstract

Background. There is no ideal substitute for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue engineering. We aim to develop peptide-based fibrous and hydrogel materials as potential scaffolds for 2-/3-D culture in vitro and in vivo. Methods. Unlike other peptide scaffolds, we employed a system using α-helical units with two complementary peptides, which combine to yield a sticky ended building block for fibre assembly (self-assembly fibres, SAFs). This allows control over assembly, and brings utility as either peptide can be complemented or replaced by targeted bioactive peptides to alter morphology and/or add function. Results. Our first designs, standard SAFs, exclusively rendered thickened, lengthened and stiff fibres (dimensions ≅ 50 nm × 10 μm) that settled out of solution. In recent designs (hSAFs), the solvent-exposed surfaces of the α-helices were engineered to promote fibre–fibre interactions and gel formation. Conclusions. We have produced a series of responsive materials with properties of interest in the search for an ideal ECM replacement. These designs give hSAFs great promise for future human application, such as laryngeal nerve repair, tissue engineering support or vocal lamina propria replacement.