The overall goal of the proposed research is to pursue realistic molecular modeling studies of the stability, dynamics, structure, function, and folding of proteins and protein-based biomaterials in solution. Simulations of elastin-based polymers will investigate the driving forces and mechanism for the unusual temperature-dependent conformational changes, knowledge that will assist in redesign of this system for specific applications and the design of other such molecules. Studies of the stabilities of cyclic peptides and their multimers (nanotubes) to both environment and peptide substitutions will be addressed, as well as their mechanism of transport, selectivity, and gating. Methods are being developed for identifying and optimizing small, robust scaffolds for use as novel receptors, or biosensors. Functional optimization (typically binding) will also be explored.

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.

Research and new tools in biomaterials development by using peptides are currently growing, as more functional and versatile building blocks are used to design a host of functional biomaterials via chemical modifications for health care applications. It is a field that is attracting researchers from across soft matter science, molecular engineering and biomaterials science. Covering the fundamental concepts of self-assembly, design and synthesis of peptides, this book will provide a solid introduction to the field for those interested in developing functional biomaterials by using peptide derivatives. The bioactive nature of the peptides and their physical properties are discussed in various applications in biomedicine. This book will help researchers and students working in biomaterials and biomedicine fields and help their understanding of modulating biological processes for disease diagnosis and treatments.

Peptides and Proteins as Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration and Repair highlights the various important considerations that go into biomaterial development, both in terms of fundamentals and applications. After covering a general introduction to protein and cell interactions with biomaterials, the book discusses proteins in biomaterials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). The properties, fabrication and application of peptide biomaterials and protein-based biomaterials are discussed in addition to in vivo and in vitro studies. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students interested in biomaterials science, chemistry, molecular biology and nanotechnology. Presents an all-inclusive and authoritative coverage of the important role which protein and peptides play as biomaterials for tissue regeneration Explores protein and peptides from the fundamentals, to processing and applications Written by an international group of leading biomaterials researchers

De novo Peptide Design: Principles and Applications presents the latest developments in the fields of therapeutic peptides and bio-nanotechnology. The title focuses on the design of peptides, particularly how peptides may be tailored to specific functions. It includes computational and experimental protocols to assist in the design of peptides. Sections cover the basics of protein and peptide structure, modeling and simulation, solid phase peptide synthesis, peptide-based antibiotics, drug delivery, peptide nanomaterials, aromatic interactions directing nano-assembly, protein/peptide aggregation, therapeutic interventions against protein/peptide aggregation diseases, peptide based hydrogels, computational tools and algorithms for peptide design, and experimental protocols in peptide chemistry. In addition, the book covers key aspects in peptide design, providing a solution for researchers working within the 'peptidic universe' to create new therapeutic agents. Gives comprehensive coverage, including peptide design, modeling, synthesis and applications Presents emerging topics in the design of peptide-based therapeutics Details the latest developments in the fields of therapeutic peptides and bio-nanotechnology Considers peptide design and the tailoring of peptides to specific functions Offers computational tools and algorithms for peptide design and experimental protocols for peptide chemistry

Synthesis of Polypeptides by Ring-Opening Polymerization of α-Amino Acid N-Carboxyanhydrides, by Jianjun Cheng and Timothy J. Deming.- Peptide Synthesis and Self-Assembly, by S. Maude, L. R. Tai, R. P. W. Davies, B. Liu, S. A. Harris, P. J. Kocienski and A. Aggeli.- Elastomeric Polypeptides, by Mark B. van Eldijk, Christopher L. McGann, Kristi L. Kiick andJan C. M. van Hest.- Self-Assembled Polypeptide and Polypeptide Hybrid Vesicles: From Synthesis to Application, by Uh-Joo Choe, Victor Z. Sun, James-Kevin Y. Tan and Daniel T. Kamei.- Peptide-Based and Polypeptide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, by Aysegul Altunbas and Darrin J. Pochan.-

In this volume expert researchers detail in silico methods widely used to study peptides. These include methods and techniques covering the database, molecular docking, dynamics simulation, data mining, de novo design and structure modeling of peptides and protein fragments. Chapters focus on integration and application of technologies to analyze, model, identify, predict, and design a wide variety of bioactive peptides, peptide analogues and peptide drugs, as well as peptide-based biomaterials. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Computational Peptidology seeks to aid scientists in the further study into this newly rising subfield.