Sono-Assembly of the [Arg-Phe](4) Octapeptide into Biofunctional Nanoparticles

Author(s)

Baral, Anshul ; Bhangu, Sukhvir K. ; Cimino, Rita ; Pelin, Juliane N. B. D. ; Alves, Wendel A. ; Chattopadhyay, Santanu ; Ashokkumar, Muthupandian ; Cavalieri, Francesca

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NANOMATERIALS; v. 10, n. 9, p. 12-pg., 2020-09-01.

Abstract

High-frequency ultrasound treatment is found to be a one-pot green technique to produce peptide-based nanostructures by ultrasound assisted self-assembly of oligopeptides. [Arg-Phe](4) octapeptides, consisting of alternating arginine (Arg/R) and phenylalanine (Phe/F) sequences, were subjected to 430 kHz ultrasound in aqueous solution in the absence of any external agents, to form [RF](4) nanoparticles ([RF](4)-NPs), similar to 220 nm in diameter. A comprehensive analysis of the obtained nanoparticles demonstrated that the aromatic moieties of the oligopeptides can undergo oxidative coupling to form multiple oligomeric species, which then self-assemble into well-defined fluorescent nanoparticles. [RF](4)-NPs were functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEGylated) to improve their colloidal stability. Unlike the parent peptide, the PEGylated [RF](4)-NPs showed limited cytotoxicity towards MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, the intracellular trafficking of PEGylated [RF](4)-NPs was investigated after incubation with MDA-MB-231 cells to demonstrate their efficient endo-lysosomal escape. This work highlights that the combined use of ultrasonic technologies and peptides enables easy fabrication of nanoparticles, with potential application in drug delivery. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02317-2 - Interfaces in materials: electronic, magnetic, structural and transport properties
• Grantee: Adalberto Fazzio
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/50867-3 - INCT 2014: National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalysis
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants