Hydrogel-forming peptides have the ability to self-assemble into nanofibres, which can further form 3D networks of entangled fibrous structures, essentially affording a scaffold-like architecture. Within minutes of adding these short peptides to water in appropriate proportions, a gel is formed, hence the characteristic name. A recent pre-clinical study using radiolabelled peptide monomers has confirmed the potential application of peptide hydrogels as drug delivery vehicles.

Contributed by Susan J. Tzotzos

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