Stimuli-responsive peptide hydrogels for biomedical applications

J Mater Chem B. 2024 Feb 14;12(7):1748-1774. doi: 10.1039/d3tb02610h.

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels can respond to external stimuli with a change in the network structure and thus have potential application in drug release, intelligent sensing, and scaffold construction. Peptides possess robust supramolecular self-assembly ability, enabling spontaneous formation of nanostructures through supramolecular interactions and subsequently hydrogels. Therefore, peptide-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels have been widely explored as smart soft materials for biomedical applications in the last decade. Herein, we present a review article on design strategies and research progress of peptide hydrogels as stimuli-responsive materials in the field of biomedicine. The latest design and development of peptide hydrogels with responsive behaviors to stimuli are first presented. The following part provides a systematic overview of the functions and applications of stimuli-responsive peptide hydrogels in tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, antimicrobial treatment, 3D cell culture, biosensors, etc. Finally, the remaining challenges and future prospects of stimuli-responsive peptide hydrogels are proposed. It is believed that this review will contribute to the rational design and development of stimuli-responsive peptide hydrogels toward biomedical applications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Hydrogels* / chemistry
  • Nanostructures* / chemistry
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Peptides