Issue 4, 2008

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

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.

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

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
25 Sep 2007
Accepted
09 Jan 2008
First published
08 Feb 2008

Soft Matter, 2008,4, 821-827

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

P. D. Thornton, R. J. Mart, S. J. Webb and R. V. Ulijn, Soft Matter, 2008, 4, 821 DOI: 10.1039/B714750C

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