Review Article
Translational paradigm of advanced nanoscale strategies for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): mechanistic insights, metastatic pathways, and emerging theragnosis
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression involves pathogenicity, metastatic dissemination, and molecular dysregulation. Advanced therapies offer targeted strategies to inhibit tumor growth, reduce metastasis, and improve therapeutic efficacy.
Paper
Self-assembled α/β-dipeptides as dielectrics to improve the behavior of multilayered conducting polymer pseudocapacitors
Multilayered films composed of α/β-dipeptide and conducting polymer, where the former acts as a dielectric separating the layers made of the latter, function as efficient electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors.
Paper
Supramolecular hybrid of Fe pentanuclear complex/diblock copolypeptide amphiphiles with pH-responsive nano/microstructures in water
A pentanuclear iron (Fe5) complex was successfully co-assembled with an amphiphilic diblock copolypeptide in aqueous solution, forming well-organized supramolecular aggregates that exhibit distinct spectroscopic and redox properties.
Paper
Methacrylated pulmonary dECM-enriched GelMA bioinks promote endothelialization and angiogenesis in 3D printed tubular constructs
3D printed GelMA-dECMMA scaffolds, produced using the SLAM technique, showed improved organisation into vessel-like structures, strongly outperforming GelMA alone in promoting angiogenesis.
Paper
Nanoarchaeosomes loaded with tumor antigens elicit antigen-presenting cell activation and T cell response for cervical cancer immunotherapy
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies such as cancer immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells.
Paper
Mapping the energy landscape of a supramolecular system via time-resolved asymmetric-flow field flow fractionation
The optimisation of the design and preparation of supramolecular systems for targeted functions requires a comprehensive understanding of the self-assembly energy landscape, including the full spectrum of its pathway complexity.
Paper
Fibrillization versus coacervation in arginine–tryptophan repeat peptides: effects of sequence length and pH
We explore the interplay between fibril formation and liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in aqueous solution for tryptophan–arginine repeat peptides (WR)n with n = 2–5.
Paper
Ugi reaction-enabled one-step multifunctionalization of biocatalytic VLPs for multimodal therapeutics
The Ugi reaction offers a rapid and versatile approach for one-step multifunctionalization of protein nanocages, enabling the development of comprehensive therapeutic nanoplatforms while simplifying conventional multi-step synthesis.
Paper
Self-assembly of carbamylated lysine repeat peptide amphiphiles into fibrillar nanostructures
Demonstration of carbamylated polylysines exhibiting amyloidogenicity, allowing for the development of biocompatible nanostructures to be harnessed across numerous applications.
Paper
Peptide-based biosensors for variant-specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
Peptide-functionalized AuNP biosensors offer robust detection of SARS-CoV-2 variant-specific antibodies via SERS and electrochemical platforms.
Paper
19F NMR as a tool to probe drug binding and structural dynamics in ferritin-based nanocarriers
19F NMR reveals chemical shift signatures at a cysteine dyad near a fluorinated tryptophan, following binding of gold(I) compounds; molecular dynamics simulations establish relationships between Trp conformational rearrangements and chemical shifts.
Paper
Biocatalytic application and structural elucidation of robust bacterial protein nanocages
This study explores two bacterial encapsulins—protein nanocages. By cryo-EM, their structures were determined. We show they protect encapsulated enzymes from degradation, highlighting their potential as versatile tools in biotechnology.
Paper
Generative design and molecular mechanics characterization of silk proteins based on unfolding behavior
A generative design and simulation framework reveals unfolding mechanics of silk-inspired proteins, enabling exploration of sequence–structure–property relationships and offering insights into the mechanobiological basis of fiber performance.
Paper
Promising wound healing activity of Saussurea costus loaded PCL–gelatin nanofibers
This study developed and characterized PCL–gelatin nanofibers with Saussurea costus extract, demonstrating enhanced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties.
About this collection
Guest edited by Dr Daniela Kalafatovic (University of Rijeka), Dr Ana M. Garcia (University of Castilla La Mancha), Dr Veronica Dodero (Bielefeld University), Dr Ivan R. Sasselli (Materials Physics Center (CFM/MPC), CSIC-UPV/EHU and Dr Jacek Wychowaniec (AO Research Institute Davos), this themed collection in Materials Advances aligns with the themes of the SNOOPY WG2 meeting at the University of Nottingham which aims to bring together research related to synthesis, characterisation and evaluation of bioactive peptide nanostructures.
The collection collates the latest supramolecular peptide and protein systems advances, including work that blends fundamental research with practical applications, covering the design and applications of peptide and protein-based systems. These systems are increasingly being recognized as powerful tools in a variety of fields, including drug development, biomaterials, nanotechnology, and diagnostics. Contributions integrating knowledge from chemistry, biology, physics, and materials science are crucial for advancing our understanding and the practical applications of supramolecular peptide and protein systems.