Title: Exploring the potential of amino acid and peptide hydrogels: a comprehensive review

Authors: Arathy Chandran; Titto Varughese; Anitha C. Kumar

Addresses: Department of Applied Chemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, 682022, India ' Department of Chemistry, Christ College Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala, 680125, India ' School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, 686560, India

Abstract: Hydrogels, renowned for their three-dimensional polymer networks capable of retaining substantial water content, are pivotal soft materials with immense research potential. Their high water-holding capacity and responsiveness to various stimuli make them ideal for a range of applications. Particularly in biomedicine, their ability to mimic natural tissues is invaluable. Among the materials used for synthesising hydrogels, small biomolecules like amino acids and peptides have seen significant interest. The self-assembly of these molecules can be optimised through modifications with compounds such as benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz), 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc), naphthyl, and pyrene. Hydrogels derived from amino acids and peptides are notable for their excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, making them perfect for in vivo applications. This review underscores recent advancements in amino acid and peptide-based hydrogels, focusing on their low cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and customisable morphologies, which render them ideal for biomedical uses like drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Keywords: gels; hydrogels; self-assembly; amino acid; peptides; biomedical applications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNBM.2025.146465

International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials, 2025 Vol.11 No.1, pp.1 - 39

Received: 18 Jun 2024
Accepted: 04 Oct 2024
Published online: 30 May 2025 *

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