Nanostructures by self-assembling peptide amphiphile as potential selective drug carriers

Abstract

The self-assembling behavior, at physiological pH, of the amphiphite peptide (C18)2L5CCK8 in nanostructures is reported. Stable aggregates presenting a critical micellar concentration of 2 × 10-6 mol kg 1, and characterized by water exposed CCK8 peptide in β-sheet conformation, are obtained. Small angle neutron scattering experiments are indicative for a 3D structure with dimensions ≥ 100 nm. AFM images confirm the presence of nanostructures. Fluorescence experiments indicating the sequestration of pyrene, chosen as drug model, and the anticancer Doxorubicin within the nanostructures are reported. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.