TITLE: Supramolecular Peptide Engineering toward Bioinspired Adaptive Extra Cellular Matrix Mimic

AUTOR: Asish Pal - Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector - 81, Mohali, Punjab, India

INVITED BY: Amparo Ruiz

WHEN: July, 13 - 11AM

WHERE: Sala de Seminarios, ICMM

ABSTRACT: Supramolecular polymerization provides a powerful strategy for constructing functional materials through reversible non-covalent interactions. The self-assembly process navigates complex energy landscapes, influenced by molecular symmetry, solvent composition, temperature and external stimuli. Assembly follows mechanisms like isodesmic or cooperative pathways, Peptide amphiphiles (PAs), driven by π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding, self-assemble into dynamic nanostructures whose morphology and properties can be programmed by molecular design and environmental cues. A systematic evaluation of solvent composition, temperature was conducted to elucidate their roles in modulating self-assembly pathways and photoisomerization kinetics upon varying molecular structures from amyloidogenic to non-amyloidogenic peptide sequence. Such adaptive assemblies offer an attractive route toward recreating the hierarchical organization and responsiveness of the extracellular matrix (ECM).

The native ECM derives its remarkable biological functions from a finely orchestrated interplay of covalent and supramolecular interactions, enabling structural remodeling, cell signaling and tissue differentiation. Replicating this complexity in synthetic hydrogels remains a major challenge in regenerative medicine, neuromodulation and bioelectronics. Emerging supramolecular strategies seek to integrate the defining features of the ECM, including hierarchical architecture, nonlinear mechanics, biochemical signaling and stimuli-responsive adaptability. Here, we present a peptide–polymer conjugate platform that mimics the adaptive mechanics of native cytoskeletal and ECM networks. Inspired by actomyosin-driven matrix remodeling, the supramolecular network exhibits tunable heat-stiffening, strain-stiffening and photo-enhanced mechanical reinforcement through hierarchical control over peptide fiber organization. These bioinspired materials reproduce key nonlinear mechanical behaviors found in living tissues while retaining the injectability and dynamic nature of supramolecular hydrogels.

This nanostructure-driven approach establishes a versatile platform for engineering adaptive synthetic ECMs that combine mechanical responsiveness with biochemical functionality, opening new opportunities for bone, muscle, neuronal and soft-tissue engineering.

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