Peptide-based co-assembling materials: Bridging fundamental science and versatile applications

Abstract

Inspired by biomolecular assembly in natural systems, peptides have emerged as building blocks for constructing diverse structures and materials through bottom-up self-assembly approach. However, it remains a challenge to manipulate the peptide supramolecular architectures and expand their functionality for versatile applications. Notably, co-assembly strategy provides a promising solution as it enables the integration of multiple components into extended architectural space and functional diversity of peptide-based materials. Herein, a comprehensive review is proposed to summarize the design principles and recent advances of peptide-based co-assembling materials for applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology. First, the design strategies and assembly mechanism of peptide co-assembly are introduced. Next, an overview of nanostructures formed by peptide co-assembly is summarized, ranging from nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanorods, nanoribbons to nanohydrogels. Subsequently, the various applications and perspectives for peptide co-assembling materials are provided in details, including anticancer treatment, tissue engineering, wound healing, gene delivery, catalysis, functional electronic components, and adhesive. Finally, remaining challenges and future prospects in peptide co-assembly are discussed. It is believed that this review bridges fundamental co-assembly science with extensive applications, providing new insights for rational design and development of innovative peptide-based biomaterials in the future.