Supramolecular Assemblies Show Promise in Biomaterials Applications

Strategic Insights -

Research at the Eindhoven University of Technology has found that supramolecular assemblies hold great potential as biomaterials for various biomedical applications. The modification of supramolecular biomaterials is necessary to achieve controlled bioactive functions, according to the study. The research, funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan, the European Union, the DARTBAC project, and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, has made significant progress in modifying supramolecular biomaterials using the SpyTag-SpyCatcher chemistry. This method allows for the conjugation of full-length proteins with biologically relevant functions to supramolecular fibers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Supramolecular assemblies have been demonstrated to assemble into long supramolecular polymers that can be functionalized with bioactive peptides.
  • The introduction of biological functionality has been limited to small molecules and peptides, and the research has addressed this limitation by developing a method for conjugating full-length proteins to supramolecular fibers.
  • The SpyTag-SpyCatcher chemistry has been used to conjugate monoclonal antibodies to the surface of supramolecular fibers.
  • The approach introduced in the research represents a robust and widely applicable postassembly modification method for the functionalization of biomaterials.
  • The research has achieved recruitment of supramolecular assemblies to the surface of mammalian cells via the EGFR-specific antibody Cetuximab.
  • The study has demonstrated the use of photo-cross-linkable protein G domains for the conjugation of monoclonal antibodies to supramolecular fibers.
  • The research has shown 100% conversion in the conjugation of full-length proteins to supramolecular fibers via native peptide bond formation.

Statistics:

  • 100% conversion in the conjugation of full-length proteins to supramolecular fibers via native peptide bond formation.
  • 90% colocalization of antibodies and UPy-fibers using biophysical and imaging methods.
  • 5:95 mol % coassembly of UPy-SpyTag with UPy-glycinamide in the conjugation of full-length proteins to supramolecular fibers.
  • The research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan, the European Union, the DARTBAC project, and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research.

Sources:

  • Employing the Spytag-spycatcher Reaction for the Modification of Supramolecular Polymers With Functional Proteins. Bioconjugate Chemistry, 2025.
  • American Chemical Society - www.acs.org
  • Bioconjugate Chemistry - www.pubs.acs.org/journal/bcches