A broad-spectrum antibacterial hydrogel based on the synergistic action of Fmoc-phenylalanine and Fmoc-lysine in a co-assembled state

J Mater Chem B. 2024 Aug 28;12(34):8444-8453. doi: 10.1039/d4tb00948g.

Abstract

Multicomponent biomolecular self-assembly is fundamental for accomplishing complex functionalities of biosystems. Self-assembling peptides, amino acids, and their conjugates serve as a versatile platform for developing biomaterials. However, the co-assembly of multiple building blocks showing synergistic interplay between individual components and producing biomaterials with emergent functional attributes is much less explored. In this study, we have formulated minimalistic co-assembled hydrogels composed of Fmoc-phenylalanine and Fmoc-lysine. The co-assembled systems display broad-spectrum antimicrobial potency, a feature absent in individual building blocks. A comprehensive biophysical analysis demonstrates the physicochemical features of the hydrogels eliciting the antibacterial response. MD simulation further reveals a unique fibrillar architecture with Fmoc-phenylalanine forming the fibril core surrounded by positively charged Fmoc-lysine surface residues, thereby enhancing the interaction with negatively charged bacterial membranes, causing membrane disruption and cell death. Thus, this study provides molecular-level insight into the emergent properties of a multicomponent system, affording an excellent paradigm for developing novel biomaterials.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Fluorenes* / chemistry
  • Fluorenes* / pharmacology
  • Hydrogels* / chemical synthesis
  • Hydrogels* / chemistry
  • Hydrogels* / pharmacology
  • Lysine* / chemistry
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Phenylalanine* / analogs & derivatives
  • Phenylalanine* / chemistry
  • Phenylalanine* / pharmacology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Phenylalanine
  • Hydrogels
  • Lysine
  • Fluorenes