Abstract: Provided herein are peptide-based hydrogels, or neutral multidomain peptide hydrogel (NMDP), as well as uses thereof. The uses include encapsulating cells to induce quiescence for long-term storage and administering to a subject to induce collagen deposition and macrophage infiltration. The disclosed hydrogel is useful for the preservation of stem cells, including maintaining their quiescence and differentiation potential.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising multi domain peptide (MDP) hydrogels where the peptides that constitute the hydrogel have at least one N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine side chain. Also provided are hydrogels that further comprise a STING agonist, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and/or an anti-cancer therapy. Also provided are methods of using such compositions in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition useful for making homogeneously mineralized self assembled peptide-amphiphile nanofibers and nanofiber gels. The composition is generally a solution comprised of a positively or negatively charged peptide-amphiphile and a like signed ion from the mineral. Mixing this solution with a second solution containing a dissolved counter-ion of the mineral and/or a second oppositely charged peptide amphiphile, results in the rapid self assembly of the peptide-amphiphiles into a nanofiber gel and templated mineralization of the ions. Templated mineralization of the initially dissolved mineral cations and anions in the mixture occurs with preferential orientation of the mineral crystals along the fiber surfaces within the nanofiber gel. One advantage of the present invention is that it results in homogenous growth of the mineral throughout the nanofiber gel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixture of self-assembling peptide-amphiphiles with complementary charges whose design and function is patterned after proteins having biological functions. The oppositely charged peptide amphiphiles may be self-assembled by combining them in a charge equivalent ratio. Variations of structural peptide sequences in the oppositely charged peptide-amphiphiles enable the assembled nanofibers to exhibit two or more biologically relevant signals.