Heparin-binding cationic peptide self-assembling peptide amphiphiles useful against drug-resistant bacteria
Disclosed are peptides comprising an amphiphilic backbone and a cationic heparin-binding motif peptide. The peptides can be used in methods of antimicrobial treatment.
1. A polypeptide, comprising an amphiphilic backbone, and a cationic heparin-binding motif peptide, wherein the polypeptide is represented by:
R 1 −y 1 −y 2
wherein
R 1 -y 1 is the amphiphilic backbone;
y 2 is the cationic heparin-binding motif peptide;
R 1 is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group; and
y 1 has the sequence V 4 K 4 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or V 4 K 4 G (SEQ ID NO: 4).
2. The polypeptide of claim 1 , wherein R 1 is a C 10 -C 22 alkyl group or a C 10 -C 22 alkenyl group.
3. The polypeptide of claim 1 having the sequence C 16 alkyl-V 4 K 4 G(AKKARA) 2 (SEQ ID NO: 7).
4. The polypeptide of claim 1 , wherein y 2 has the sequence (SEQ ID NO: 5):
−(WZZWZW) m
wherein
W is A or G;
Z is K or R; and
m is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.
5. The polypeptide of claim 4 , wherein R 1 is a C 10 -C 22 alkyl group or a C 10 -C 22 alkenyl group.
6. The polypeptide of claim 4 , wherein W is A.
7. The polypeptide of claim 6 , wherein R 1 is a C 10 -C 22 alkyl group or a C 10 -C 22 alkenyl group.
8. The polypeptide of claim 4 , wherein Z is K.
9. The polypeptide of claim 8 , wherein R 1 is a C 10 -C 22 alkyl group or a C 10 -C 22 alkenyl group.
10. The polypeptide of claim 4 , wherein y 2 has the sequence −(AKKARA) m (SEQ ID NO: 6).
11. The polypeptide of claim 10 , wherein R 1 is a C 10 -C 22 alkyl group or a C 10 -C 22 alkenyl group.
12. A method of antibacterial treatment, comprising:
providing a sample comprising bacteria;
adding to the sample a plurality of polypeptides of claim 1 , thereby killing or inhibiting the growth of at least a portion of the bacteria in the sample.
13. A method of preventing or suppressing bacterial growth on a surface, comprising:
applying to the surface a plurality of polypeptides of claim 1 , thereby preventing or suppressing bacterial growth on the surface.
14. A method of preparing self-assembled nanorods comprising the steps of:
dissolving a plurality of lyophilized polypeptides of claim 1 in a solvent to form a mixture;
mixing the mixture; and
storing the mixture to allow for supramolecular self-assembly, thereby preparing self-assembled nanorods.