Multiple Cross-Linking of a Small Peptide to Form a Size Tunable Biopolymer with Efficient Cell Adhesion and Proliferation Property

Development of biocompatible polymeric systems capable of cell adhesion and proliferation is a challenging task. Proper cross-linking of small cell adhesive peptide sequences is useful in this respect as it provides the inherent nontoxic environment as well as the cross-linked polymeric network to the cells for adhesion and proliferation. A multiple cross-linking strategy is applied to create a peptide-based cross-linked polymer. Covalent linkage through disulfide bond formation, supramolecular linkage using homoternary complexation by CB[8], and enzymatic cross-linking by HRP-mediated dimerization of tyrosine are used to prepare the cross-linked, peptide-based polymer decorated with cell-adhesive RGDS sequence. The supramolecular cross-linking via CB[8] provided stability as well as brings the RGDS sequences at the surface of the polymer particles. The order of cross-linking allowed to fine-tune the particle size of the polymer and polymer particles of wide range (200–1000 nm) can be prepared by varying the order. The cross-linked polymer particles (P1 and P2) were found to be stable at wide range of temperature and pH. Moreover, as intended, the polymer was noncytotoxic in nature and showed efficient cell adhesion and proliferation property, which can be used for further biological applications.