Enzyme-responsive hydrogel particles for the controlled release of proteins: Designing peptide actuators to match payload

Paul D. Thornton, Robert J. Mart, Simon J. Webb, Rein V. Ulijn

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    We report on enzyme-responsive hydrogel particles for the controlled release of proteins. Amino-functionalised poly(ethylene glycol acrylamide) (PEGA) hydrogel particles were functionalised with peptide actuators that cause charge-induced swelling and payload release when triggered enzymatically. Peptide-based actuators were designed to match the specificity of the target enzyme, while also matching the charge properties of the to-be released protein payload, thereby uniquely allowing for tuneable release profiles. Fluorescently labelled albumin and avidin, proteins of similar size but opposite charge, were released at a rate that was governed by the peptide actuator linked to the polymer carrier, offering a highly controlled release mechanism. Release profiles were analysed using a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy of the solution and two-photon fluorescence microscopy to analyse enzymatically triggered molecular events within hydrogel particles during the initial stages of release. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)821-827
    Number of pages6
    JournalSoft Matter
    Volume4
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

    Keywords

    • POLYMER THERAPEUTICS
    • SMART BIOMATERIALS
    • DRUG-DELIVERY
    • MICROSCOPY
    • COPOLYMER
    • LIBRARIES
    • SUPPORTS
    • PRODRUGS
    • CARRIERS
    • SCIENCE

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