Cyclic dipeptide and silk fibroin-based (bio)materials and their applications

Abstract

Polypeptides (peptides and proteins) are polymers of amino acids connected through amide bonds also referred as peptide bonds. Peptides and proteins are essential biomolecules with a wide range of biological functions necessary to maintain the normal physiology and growth of an organism. The essential functions carried out by peptides and proteins include but not limited to enzymatic catalysis, molecular recognition, ion or biomolecule transportation, hormonal activity, immunomodulation, radical scavenging, cytoskeleton and structural maintenance of the organism.1-4 The polypeptides are synthesized in living organisms through a multi-step process.