Higher-order assembly of collagen peptides into nano- and microscale materials.

The triple-helical structure of collagen peptides has recently been harnessed as a subunit in the higher-order assembly of unique biomaterials. Specific assembly signals have been designed within collagen peptides, including hydrophobic groups, electrostatic interactions, and metal-ligand binding, to name a few. In this way, a range of novel assemblies have been obtained, including nano- to microscale fibers, gels, spheres, and meshes, each with the potential for novel biological applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.