Structural and functional characterization of self-assembling amphiphilic oligopeptides

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to design amphiphilic peptides that self-assemble into supramolecular structures, like nano-sized vesicles that can be of use for drug delivery purposes. The oligopeptides were produced by recombinant techniques and are shown to spontaneously self-assemble upon hydration into vesicles in which hydrophillic molecules could be entrapped. Detailed analysis of the obtained self-assembled, vesicular structures has provided insight into the peptide secondary conformation and the stabilizing intermolecular interactions, elucidating the self-assembling characteristics. The peptide vesicles were successfully used for the intracellular delivery of drug molecules. This thesis sheds light onto the design and self-assembling behavior of amphiphilic oligopeptide vesicles that can be of use for drug delivery purposes.