What is the problem/issue being addressed
We have created synthetic biomimetic soft but robust biomaterials without involving complex chemical crosslinking procedures. These biomaterials can be used for a variety of potential applications such as creating 3D in vitro models mimicking the complex microenvironment that persists in vivo and as artificial constructs in tissue engineering. Recent literature reviews are reporting a dramatic decrease in success rate of therapeutics progressing to the clinic due to lack of efficacy in phase 3 trials. Since the efficacy of these drugs are usually tested in preclinical models before progressing toward phase 3 trials, therefore we can reason that data obtained at preclinical stages are not reliable and a wealth of these information are generated using 2D cell culture models. It is well known that cells in 3D display very different morphology and gene expression patterns. These complex model systems are not routinely incorporated in drug discovery regime. Moreover, published reports portraying detailed comparison between 2D and 3D cultures are very few. Another important drawback is the use of cell culture scaffold materials, which are commonly derived from animal proteins such as collagen type I. These proteins often vary in composition that can limit the reproducibility of experimental results. Additionally, the mechanical properties and gelation kinetics of commonly used cell culture support materials are difficult to control. Hence, synthetic peptide or polymeric hydrogels have now paved the way toward fabricating matrices that can provide support to the cells as well as promote specific cell-matrix cross-talk. However, stand-alone peptide hydrogels even though mimic the nanofibrous morphology of cell extracellular matrix (ECM), are less stable in buffers and have poor mechanical properties. Polymeric gels on the other hand, lack the nanoarchitecture of the ECM. We have addressed this important issue by developing a hybrid system of peptide-polymer hydrogels that can provide the nanofibrous architecture with superior mechanical strength.
Why is it important for society
The fundamental beneficial impact that our project can bring is the reduction of overall animal use. Since 3D models can more realistically mimic the 3D in vivo tissue environment, therefore we can eliminate the need of elaborate studies in mouse, rats or rabbits and thus reduce the number of animals to be sacrificed. This in turn can reduce the time and cost of animal studies and thus can be overall beneficial to the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, careful selection of biological epitopes can also provide a scope for customisation of our formulations for studying specific interactions between cells and the ECM. This will help in understanding the underlying mechanisms of certain deadly diseases such as cancer. Our data indicate that our formulations can be customized to mimic ECM of different tissues in the body.
What are the overall objectives
The overall objectives of the project achieved
• To design synthesize and characterise different classes of peptides
• To study their non-covalent self-assembly behaviour with HA
• Characterise the formulations eg 3D hydrogel, membranes, sacs etc obtained from self-assembly of HA and peptides. Characterisations would include the microstructure of the gels/membranes, rheological properties indicating mechanical stiffness, viscoelastic behaviour and the stability of the formulations
• Contribute toward a suitable application for the developed formulations
During the course of our project, we have fully achieved the first three objectives. We have identified a suitable area for applying our formulations and we are working toward drafting a proposal based on this objective. We will also seek collaboration for completing this part of the objective.
