Self-assembling hydrogels based on dicephalic peptide amphiphiles

Abstract

We have disclosed dicephalic amphiphiles having peptide sequences as the head groups. We have also disclosed self-assembly hydrogels prepared from the dicephalic peptide amphiphiles. These hydrogels are useful for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactives to a patient.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method of delivering a bioactive agent comprising delivering to a desired site a dicephalic peptide amphiphile hydrogel comprising a dicephalic peptide amphiphile comprising the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein n is equal to at least 6 and X is a peptide sequence comprising a self-assembly inducing region and a solubility enhancing region. 
       
       and said bioactive agent. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of cells, proteins, and oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the cell is selected from the group consisting of stem cells, progenitor cells, primary cells, transfected cells, immortalized cells, human umbilical tissue derived cells, human kidney derived cells, and human mammary artery cells. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the protein is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and growth factors. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the oligonucleotide is selected from the group consisting of siRNA and microRNA. 
     
     
         17 . A method of delivering a bioactive agent comprising delivering to a desired site a dicephalic peptide amphiphile comprising the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein n is equal to at least 6 and X is a peptide sequence comprising a self-assembly inducing region and a solubility enhancing region 
       
       and said bioactive agent, wherein the dicephalic peptide amphiphile forms a hydrogel in situ. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of cells, proteins, and oligonucleotide. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the cell is selected from the group consisting of stem cells, progenitor cells, primary cells, transfected cells, immortalized cells, human umbilical tissue derived cells, human kidney derived cells, and human mammary artery cells. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the protein is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and growth factors. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the oligonucleotide is selected from the group consisting of siRNA and microRNA.