IKVAV-containing Peptide self-assembly into Hydrogel

BACKGROUND: IKVAV-containing peptide sequence is an active region that promotes the adhesion, growth, and differentiation of neural cells in the laminin. It can be fabricated into a novel tissue-engineered scaffold material by self-assembly into hydrogel. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to synthesite IKVAV-containing (C16H31O-AAAA GGGEIKVAV) peptide. The peptide was observed self-assembly into three-dimensional and porous hydrogel after triggered with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Single-sample experiment, performed in the Laboratory of Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between September 2004 and January 2005. MATERIALS: IKVAV-containing peptide was synthesized by solid phase method. METHODS: Peptide purity and relative molecular mass were detected by high performance liquid chromatogram and mass-spectrometry, respectively. 1% peptide, whose pH value was equal to 9.5, was self-assembled into hydrogel with the addition of PBS. The ultramicrostructure of the hydrogel was observed through the use of transmission electron microscope (TEM). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peptide purity and relative molecular mass were detected. Moreover, gross observation of the peptide after self-assembly and TEM observation of peptide ultramicrostructure were performed. RESULTS: Peptide relative molecular mass was 1351.6, which was in accordance with its theoretical value. Peptide purity was 95%. After triggered with PBS, 1% peptide was self-supported into hydrogel in a few seconds. TEM results showed that self-assembled hydrogel consisted of the interconnected nanofibers which varied from 3 to 6 nm in diameter and 100 to 1500 nm m in length. CONCLUSION: The IKVAV-containing peptide was synthesized and self-organized successfully into porous hydrogel, which was triggered with PBS solution.