Abstract

Self-assembled peptides and specifically small peptide based nanostructures have been the focus of research in past decade due to their potential biological applications. In this study, we prepared a protected peptide, Boc-Pro-Phe-Gly-OMe, which self-assembled in aqueous solutions leading to the formation of nanostructures and ability to act as a drug carrier. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements showed nanostructures with average size of 119.6 nm containing hydrophobic core, wherein hydrophobic drugs, viz, eosin, aspirin and curcumin, were successfully encapsulated. These encapsulated nanostructures, were further stabilized with Vitamin E–TPGS. In-vitro drug release studies revealed the release of drugs in controlled fashion from the nanostructures. The results advocate the potential of the proposed peptide nanostructures as controlled drug delivery systems and could be used in other biomedical applications.

Keywords: Self-assembly, Peptides, Nanostructures, Drug delivery, Encapsulation.

Graphical Abstract