Folded Synthetic Peptides For Biomedical Applications

Folded peptides - and peptide motifs within proteins - are abundant in living organisms, where they are essential for the biological activities of the peptides and proteins. During the past decades, much research has been dedicated to understanding the rules that govern peptide folding. Simultaneously, a range of strategies have been established for the conformational stabilization of bioactive peptides, as well as for the de novo design of peptides with defined secondary structures. These methods are either based on the chemical modification of the peptide backbone, such as cyclization and stapled peptides, or on the use of a range of non-proteinogenic amino acids that, in a defined sequential arrangement, induce secondary structures peptides. Such building blocks include D- and other non-proteinogenic amino acids, as well as beta- and gamma-amino acids. This Research Topic comprises a collection of papers by an international group of 77 scientists with a background in synthetic, analytical, computational and medicinal chemistry, as well as in biochemistry and pharmacology. Their research is presented here in a total of 11 papers (8 original research reports and 3 reviews), covering diverse aspects of folded synthetic peptides. These studies include the preparation and characterization of new peptide monomers with interesting folding properties, the synthesis and conformational analysis of non-natural peptides, as well as the use of folded peptidomimetics as molecular switches. Additionally, a range of biomedical applications, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and immune-stimulating activities, are also reported. We hope this eBook will be a source of inspiration and knowledge for scientist in various disciplines related to folded peptides and their many applications, as well as for those who want to learn more about this fascinating field of research.

Solid-binding peptides have been used increasingly as molecular building blocks in nanobiotechnology as they can direct the assembly and functionalisation of a diverse range of materials and have the ability to regulate the synthesis of nanoparticles and complex nanostructures. Nanostructured materials such as β-sheet fibril-forming peptides and α-helical coiled coil systems have displayed many useful properties including stimulus-responsiveness, modularity and multi-functionality, providing potential technological applications in tissue engineering, antimicrobials, drug delivery and nanoscale electronics. The current situation with respect to self-assembling peptides and bioactive matrices for regenerative medicine are reviewed, as well as peptide-target modeling and an examination of future prospects for peptides in these areas.

This Special Issue, entitled "Synthetic Peptides and Peptidomimetics: From Basic Science to Biomedical Applications", has included both reviews and original research contributions focused on the chemical design and biomedical applications of structurally modified bioactive peptides. The papers collected show how successful this class of molecules still is, both as model molecules for studying the structure of proteins and as potential therapeutics and diagnostics, and also as laboratory tools for advanced basic and applied studies. The large scientific community working in this field is in fact very active and productive, and is making the most of the potential and versatility of these molecules to generate increasingly interesting and innovative molecules of therapeutic interest and to understand the fundamental molecular mechanisms of life.

Investigation into basic and advanced peptide design, synthesis, evaluation and utilization. New therapeutic approaches from experimental systems.

This Special Issue, entitled "Synthetic Peptides and Peptidomimetics: From Basic Science to Biomedical Applications", has included both reviews and original research contributions focused on the chemical design and biomedical applications of structurally modified bioactive peptides. The papers collected show how successful this class of molecules still is, both as model molecules for studying the structure of proteins and as potential therapeutics and diagnostics, and also as laboratory tools for advanced basic and applied studies. The large scientific community working in this field is in fact very active and productive, and is making the most of the potential and versatility of these molecules to generate increasingly interesting and innovative molecules of therapeutic interest and to understand the fundamental molecular mechanisms of life.

Investigation into basic and advanced peptide design, synthesis, evaluation and utilization. New therapeutic approaches from experimental systems.

Peptide synthesis includes an array of techniques and procedures that enable the preparation of materials ranging from small peptides to large proteins. Many synthetic peptides have commercial and pharmaceutical applications, however, the synthesis of these peptides is a difficult task. This book addresses the common problems relating to the synthesis and applications of synthetic peptides. It discusses novel methods for the efficient synthesis of long chain and difficult peptide sequences and presents detailed analysis of various aspects of solid phase peptide synthesis. It also includes a section on antimicrobial peptides.

Peptide Applications in Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Bioengineering summarizes the current knowledge on peptide applications in biomedicine, biotechnology and bioengineering. After a general introduction to peptides, the book addresses the many applications of peptides in biomedicine and medical technology. Next, the text focuses on peptide applications in biotechnology and bioengineering and reviews of peptide applications in nanotechnology. This book is a valuable resource for biomaterial scientists, polymer scientists, bioengineers, mechanical engineers, synthetic chemists, medical doctors and biologists. Presents a self-contained work for the field of biomedical peptides Summarizes the current knowledge on peptides in biomedicine, biotechnology and bioengineering Covers current and potential applications of biomedical peptides