Peptide amphiphile nanofibers: advanced drug delivery platforms for cardiovascular therapeutics.

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current medical and surgical interventions have limitations related to side-effects and long-term efficacy. Hence, there is a need for novel therapeutics tailored specifically for cardiovascular disease. Peptide amphiphile nanofibers are well suited for this role.

Areas covered: Here we discuss the molecular architecture and self-assembly process of peptide amphiphile nanofibers that make them ideal drug delivery vehicles, their adaptability and durability in physiologic conditions, and many successes in the field of developing targeted nanotherapeutics for drug delivery in the cardiovascular realm. The literature search was performed via PubMed using pertinent keywords with no restriction for dates of publication. When relevant publications were identified, these papers were used to find additional references.

Expert opinion: Despite their complexity, peptide amphiphile nanofibers offer a promising platform through which to deliver nanotherapeutics to treat cardiovascular disease. The future involves further development and evaluation of this technology in large animal models to strengthen translational data, discovery of additional physiologic targets, large scale standardized production, and incorporation of novel therapeutics. Importantly, we look forward to incorporating antioxidants into our existing peptide amphiphile nanofiber delivery vehicles to hopefully produce a synergistic effect of our targeted therapeutics.