Abstract:
There is great demand for the development of novel therapies for ischemic cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Disclosed herein is a completely synthetic cell-free therapy based on peptide amphiphile nanostructures designed to mimic the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the most potent angiogenic signaling proteins. Following self-assembly of peptide amphiphiles, nanoscale filaments form that display on their surfaces a VEGF mimetic peptide at high density. The VEGF-mimetic filaments disclosed herein were found to induce phosphorylation of VEGF receptors and induce pro-angiogenic behavior in endothelial cells, indicated by an enhancement in proliferation, survival and migration in vitro. In a chicken embryo assay, these nanostructures were found to promote an angiogenic response in the host vasculature. When evaluated in a mouse hind-limb ischemia model, the nanofibers were found to increase tissue perfusion, functional recovery, limb salvage, and treadmill endurance compared to controls, which include the VEGF mimetic peptide alone. Immunohistological evidence also demonstrated an increase in the density of microcirculation in the ischemic hind-limb, suggesting the mechanism of efficacy of this promising new therapy is linked to enhanced microcirculatory angiogenesis.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions and methods for creating encapsulated peptide amphiphilic nanostructures useful in treating diseases. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for preparing peptide amphiphile nanostructures that are encapsulated in liposomes by the application of light, and using such compositions in treating diseases, such as cancer.
Abstract:
The present invention provides for compositions and methods for creating self-assembled peptide amphiphile (PA) structures. In particular, the present invention provides for two and three-dimensional structures of crosslmked PA microtexture structures useful for tissue engineering and drug discovery.
Abstract:
Peptide amphiphiles and related compositions comprising sulfated polysaccharides, such as but not limited to sulfated glycosaminoglycans, and methods of use relating to the encapsulation and/or controlled release of angiogenic growth factor(s).
Abstract:
The separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), by chirality and/or diameter, using centrifugation of compositions of SWNTs in and surface active components in density gradient media.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a system of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles with an absolute net charge of 3 or greater whose design and function may be patterned after proteins involved in vertebrate mineralization or other tissue forming processes. This molecular system preferably consists of a hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail attached to a relatively hydrophilic peptide sequence. Self-assembly of this peptide amphiphile may be induced through pH variation, divalent ion addition, or dehydration. Variations of structural peptide sequences in the peptide amphiphile may enable the assembled nanofibers to be reversibly cross-linked for more or less structural stability, or may allow for control of the rate of self-assembly.
Abstract:
Peptide amphiphile self assembly and gelation to form nanofiber networks having cells within the network are described. The molecular structure of peptide amphiphiles and compositions including them suitable for forming nanofiber networks with cells under physiological conditions are also described. Methods to incorporate dissociated cells into self-assembled peptide amphiphile gels for molding of implants, in situ molding in animals, and injection of peptide amphiphile and cell compositions into an animal for tissue engineering and tissue repair applications are disclosed. The methods and compositions of the present invention are used to grow animal cells in a self assembled nanofiber network.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to the preparation of nanostructures by the encapsulation of a charged compound with individual self-assembled unit nanostructures.
Abstract:
The present invention provides for compositions and methods for creating self-assembled peptide amphiphile (PA) structures. In particular, the present invention provides for two and three-dimensional structures of crosslmked PA microtexture structures useful for tissue engineering and drug discovery.