Complications in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from traumatic injuries and diseases pose immense public health challenges for rehabilitation and treatment. This is due in part to the diminished regenerative capacity of CNS neurons caused by the increased presence of growth-inhibiting transcription factors, as well as cell-autonomous failure in regulating gene expression. Technological advancements in the fabrication of self-assembled, nanomaterial scaffolds could overcome these molecular obstacles. Although the exact biological mechanism is not well understood, the complex, three-dimensional nanoscale topography is believed to effectively “carry” cells, perturbing the cellular microenvironment without perforating the plasma membrane. As cells traverse and sense the nanostructured surface, they receive unique functional cues that dictate cellular adhesion, growth, and alterations in gene expression, all of which contribute to their gradual activation and polarization. Previous studies have investigated the efficacy of carbonaceous nanostructures, specifically single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and graphene oxide nanosheets (GO), as scaffold-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and injuries in the brain. However, long-term concerns regarding bioaccumulation and cytoxicity make their use in biological systems undesirable. Peptide-based nanotube arrays are a more biocompatible alternative, with simple self-assembly methods and comparable mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and catalytic activity. In this study, peptide nanostructures were assembled using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and solution-phase self-assembly (SPSA) methodologies, followed by thorough physicochemical and in vitro characterization efforts to determine their functional properties. Additionally, the catalytic advantages of these nanostructures were confirmed via the synthesis and characterization of melanin-like materials, highlighting their potential for numerous therapeutic applications. Although preliminary in vitro findings support the efficacy of peptide nanomaterial-scaffold-based treatments, the aim is to develop a vehicle to introduce these nanostructures into the targeted regions of the body while retaining their structure, orientation, and organization. One potential solution involves combining these nanostructures with hydrogels for noninvasive and easy of implantation and evaluating varying concentrations and spatial orientations within the matrix. This study concludes with a discussion of preliminary characterization efforts for PECVD deposition of peptoid analogs.
- Fabrication of peptide nanotube reinforced biomaterials for neural cell culture
- Jordan Pagliuca
- 0009-0004-9957-7527
- Milana C Vasudev (Advisor) - University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Department of BioengineeringTracie L. Ferreira (Committee Member) - University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Department of BioengineeringRein Ulijn (Committee Member) - City University of New York
- xv, 158 pages
- illustrations (chiefly color)
- List of figures -- Abbreviations -- Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Development and characterization of PECVD deposited peptide nanostructures -- Introduction -- Methods -- Results -- Discussion -- Chapter 3. PECVD tyrosine based nanostructures for melanin-like material synthesis -- Introduction -- Methods -- Results -- Discussion -- Chapter 4. Hydrogel nanocomposite reinforced with PECVD/SPSA peptide nanostructures -- Introduction -- Methods -- Results -- Discussion -- Chapter 5. PECVD deposited peptoid nanostructures -- Introduction -- Methods -- Results -- Discussion -- References.
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 145-156).
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
- Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
- Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
- Department of Bioengineering
- English
- Dissertation
- Copyright 2026 Jordan Pagliuca
- https://doi.org/10.62791/20531
- 9914528695401301