High-affinity peptide biomaterials

High-affinity binding is a crucial aspect in the design of advanced biomaterials, enabling the creation of materials that can specifically and effectively interact with target objects such as tissues, cells, or biomolecules, mimicking the sophisticated yet well-controlled interactions found in nature. Peptide-based high-affinity biomaterials have emerged as a promising class due to their versatility in chemical design, simplicity in synthesis and formulation, intrinsic ability to mediate biological communication, and key materials features such as tunable biodegradability and modulable biocompatibility. This Opinion article highlights the critical factors to consider in the development of high-affinity peptide materials, including the selection of appropriate peptide ligands, ensuring conformational stability, and optimizing ligand density and conjugation strategies. It also explores how these design considerations have been successfully employed in various applications, including regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and molecular purification.