Peptide-based biomaterials have gained much interest in various applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering in recent years, in large part due to their typically excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Composed of different amino acids, peptides can be designed with numerous sequences, providing flexibility and tunability in biomaterials. Peptides are easy to modify with small molecule drugs, inorganic components, and polymer chains to access multiple functions and tune properties relevant to biology and medicine. Stimuli-responsive peptide-based biomaterials can respond to environmental stimuli, such as light and ultrasound, in addition to local environmental factors, such as temperature, enzyme activity, and pH. Under environmental changes, these materials can be triggered to release therapeutic payloads, change conformations, or induce self-assembly in the target sites. In this work, I introduce the design, synthesis, and potential applications of several stimuli-responsive peptide-based biomaterials. The first half of this dissertation is based on enzyme-responsive, peptide-based biomaterials as extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics in tissue engineering. We synthesized linear and dendritic elastin-like peptides (ELPs) as crosslinkers and conjugated them with hyaluronic acid (HA) to form hydrogels. Trypsin was used as the enzyme trigger for cleaving the C-terminal lysine and to study how crosslinker topology affects enzymatic degradation. Hydrogels with dendritic ELPs degraded more slowly than linear ELPs, providing a novel strategy to tune the degradation rate of hydrogels as ECM mimics by the molecular design of crosslinker topology. Building on this peptide-polysaccharide platform for synthetic ECM design, we subsequently prepared hydrogels embedded with bioactive cryptic sites. These novel polymeric hydrogels mimicked native ECM cryptic sites by using depsipeptides that undergo an enzyme-triggered molecular rearrangement, "switching" from a non-functional epitope to a bioactive sequence. Mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and fluorescence studies were applied to track structural changes in the peptide. SEM was used to image these polymer-peptide hybrid hydrogels. Finally, in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate cell interactions with the hydrogels. Switch peptide-modified alginate hydrogels showed increased cell adhesion upon induction of enzymatic activity, which provided a "gain of function" of the synthetic ECM. Critically, enzymes associated with the cells themselves could trigger the peptide switch and change in synthetic ECM behavior. With knowledge of stimuli-responsive peptide-based biomaterials applied in tissue engineering, I then studied how this system could be used in drug delivery by designing peptide-hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor conjugates (PHDCs). H2S is a gasotransmitter that is produced endogenously, which has been explored in recent years with many potential therapeutical applications. We studied H2S release profiles in dual-enzyme-responsive PHDCs, with a further investigation into PHDC–Fe2+ complexes for potential tumor treatments via chemodynamic therapy. The PHDC–Fe2+ complexes were examined in a C6 glioma cell line, exhibiting an improved cell-killing effect compared with controls, by inducing toxic hydroxyl radical generation (•OH) via a Fenton reaction. To this end, we further discovered how side chains influence self-assembling nanostructures, H2S release profiles, and biological activities via three constitutionally isomeric PHDCs. Different morphologies and varied H2S release rates were observed, paving the way for tuning the properties of PHDCs by simple changes in molecular design. Finally, this dissertation discloses conclusions and future directions on stimuli-responsive peptide-based biomaterials using similar platforms with different designs in the drug delivery and tissue engineering fields. / Doctor of Philosophy / Peptides, short sequences of two or more amino acids linked by chemical bonds, are smaller versions of proteins. Forming naturally in nature, peptides are promising candidates in the design of biocompatible and biodegradable materials. To make these peptide-based materials "smart", certain sequences or functional groups are installed in the peptides, making them responsive to environmental changes, or stimuli. These external stimuli include light, ultrasound, temperature, enzyme activity, and pH changes. In this work, we have explored the design and synthesis of stimuli-responsive peptide-based biomaterials and their potential applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. The first half of this dissertation focuses on the design and synthesis of two enzyme-responsive, peptide-based materials that function as extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics. The ECM is a three-dimensional microenvironment where cells reside, providing structural support and adhesive anchor points for cells. In the first system, we synthesized peptide-polysaccharide hydrogels with different peptide crosslinkers, comparing their enzymatic degradation performance to evaluate how peptide topology (architecture) influences degradation. A more branched topology led to a slower hydrogel degradation rate. To introduce biofunctionality into the ECM mimics, we embedded the second system with a "switchable" peptide sequence, which transformed from a non-functional peptide into a functional, bioactive epitope after being triggered by an enzyme. The functional peptide after the switch provided cell adhesion and increased cell spreading. The latter half of this dissertation explores the possibility of stimuli-responsive peptide-based biomaterials in drug delivery. We designed peptides that release hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a signaling gas is commonly known for its foul smell and toxicity, and studied the biological behaviors in cells. The peptide-H2S donor conjugates (PHDCs) were activated by the enzyme legumain, which cancer cells overproduce, leading to H2S release. With the combined treatment with Fe2+, the PHDC-Fe2+ system reduced cancer cell viability due to the high amount of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) generated by the Fenton reaction. This system may be a potential design platform for precise tumor treatments.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter that is produced endogenously and freely permeates cell membranes. It plays important roles in many physiological pathways, and by regulating these pathways, it provides many therapeutic effects. For example, H2S dilates vascular vessels, promotes angiogenesis, and protects cells from oxidative stress. Due to its therapeutic effects, H2S has been used as a potential treatment for diseases like diabetes, ischemia-reperfusion injuries, lung diseases, ulcers and edemas, among others. To apply H2S for therapeutic applications, two challenges need to be addressed. The first challenge is the H2S donor, which not only provides H2S but must be stable enough to avoid side effects caused by overdose; and the second challenge is the delivery strategies, which transport the H2S to the target sites. A series of S-aroylthiooximes (SATOs), an H2S releasing compound, were synthesized and conjugated to peptide sequences to form H2S-releasing aromatic peptide amphiphile (APA) hydrogels. APAs formed nanofibers, which were stabilized by beta-sheets and aromatic stacking. The self-assembled structures were affected by the substituents on the aromatic rings of SATOs, leading to the formation of twisted nanofibers. After the addition of cysteine, H2S was released from the APAs with half-lives ranging from 13 min to 31 min. The electron-donating groups slowed down the H2S release rate, while the electron-withdrawing groups accelerated the release rate. Therefore, the release rates of H2S were controlled by electronic effects. When self-assembled structures were formed, the H2S release rate was slowed down even more, due to the difficulties in cysteine diffusion into the core of the structures. Antimicrobial effects were also discovered using the H2S releasing APA hydrogels. The H2S-releasing dipeptides S-FE and S-YE formed self-assembled twisted nanoribbons and nanotubes, respectively. The non H2S-releasing control oxime dipeptides C-FE and C-YE were also synthesized. The C-FE formed nanoribbons while the C-YE only showed non-specific aggregates. S-FE and S-YE released H2S with peaking times of about 41 and 39 min. Both the self-assembled structures and the release rates were affected by their packing differences. In vitro and ex vivo experiments with Staphylococcus aureus (Xen29), a commonly found bacterium on burn wounds, showed significant antimicrobial effects. APAs S-FE and C-FE eliminated Xen29 and inhibited the biofilm formation, while S-FE always showed better effects than C-FE. These antimicrobial H2S-releasing APA hydrogels provide a new approach to treat burn wound infections, and provide healing benefits due to the therapeutic effects of H2S. / Doctor of Philosophy / Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a signaling gas that produced in our body. It regulates physiological pathways, and can be a potential treatment for diseases like diabetes, ischemia-reperfusion injuries, lung diseases, ulcers and edemas, among others. However, two issues need to be addressed before applying H₂S for disease treatments. The first issue is to choose an H₂S donor, which is stable enough to avoid side effects caused by overdose. The second issue is the delivery methods, which transport the H₂S to target sites. A series of S-aroylthiooximes (SATOs), an H₂S releasing compound, were synthesized and attached to peptide sequences to form H₂S-releasing self-assembled aromatic peptide amphiphile (APA) hydrogels. The APA hydrogels were found to be affected by the substituents on the SATO structures. For example, the H₂S released from APAs had halflives ranged from 13 min to 31 min, which were controlled by the substituents. When hydrogels were formed, the H₂S release was slowed down even more, due to the difficulties in cysteine diffusion into the SATO structures. The antimicrobial effects were also discovered using the H₂S releasing APA hydrogels. Two H₂S-releasing APA hydrogels, S-FE and S-YE, were formed. At the same time, two non H₂S-releasing oxime dipeptides, C-FE and C-YE, were also synthesized as controls. The H₂S-releasing peptides, S-FE and S-YE, released H₂S with peaking times of about 41 and 39 min, while no H₂S was released from C-FE and C-YE. The self-assembled structures and the release rates were affected by their structural differences. In vitro and ex vivo experiments with Staphylococcus aureus (Xen29), a commonly found bacterium on burn wound, showed significant antimicrobial effects. Both H₂S-releasing S-FE and non H₂S-releasing C-FE eliminated Xen29 and inhibited the biofilm formation, indicating the potential use of the designed peptides as antimicrobial treatment for wounds. The S-FE always showed better effects than C-FE, suggesting the benefit of H₂S during the elimination of bacteria. These antimicrobial H₂S-releasing APA hydrogels provide a new approach to treat burn wound infection and provide healing benefits due to the therapeutic effects of H₂S.

The primary purpose of this study is to understand the effects of wastewater sludge feed cations on volatile solids destruction, odor control, and dewaterability. The role of influent feed cations and addition of chemical coagulants to sludge were evaluated for those characteristics following anaerobic digestion. Wastewater sludge samples were obtained from seven municipal wastewater treatment plants. Subsequently, batch digestion of the sludges was performed anaerobically in the laboratory with 30 days of SRT. Conditioning with cationic polymer and dewatering simulating a high solids centrifuge were performed after digestion. It was found that volatile solids destruction and volatile organic sulfur compounds generation increased proportionally as iron content in influent increased. However, they decreased as aluminum content in influent increased. It was also found that as iron content in influent increased, higher optimum polymer dose was required for dewatering. On the contrary, increase in aluminum content in influent resulted in decrease in the amount of optimum polymer dose. Direct addition of iron to the digesting sludge can be the most efficient point of addition with respect to volatile solids destruction, odor control, and conditioning of digested sludge. / Master of Science

The Virginia cider industry has grown rapidly in the past decade, and demands research-based recommendations for cider fermentation. This study evaluated relationships between the unique chemistry of apples and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cider fermentations. Yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) concentration and composition and residual fungicides influence H2S production by yeast during fermentation, but these factors have to date only been studied in wine grape fermentations. This study surveyed 12 Virginia-grown apple cultivars and found that the majority were severely deficient in YAN. The effects of three fungicides on cider fermentation were investigated; elemental sulfur, fludioxonil and fenbuconazole. Fenbuconazole adversely impacted fermentation kinetics. Sulfur and fludioxonil marginally impacted fermentation kinetics. Sulfur increased H2S production, but fludioxonil and fenbuconazole did not affect H2S production. There was no difference in fermentation kinetics and H2S between nitrogen sources arginine (approximating grape), asparagine (approximating apple) and ammonium (YAN supplement). Supplementation with methionine resulted in increased fermentation rate and decreased H2S production. The detrimental effects of fenbuconazole and beneficial effects of methionine were diminished with increasing total YAN. Contrary to previous findings, the most H2S was formed at 153 mg/L YAN which is above the generally recommended minimum to prevent H2S formation. These results indicate that apple juice chemistry may influence yeast metabolism during cider fermentation, in ways that have not been previously studied in grape fermentation. Our findings indicate the need for and contribute to the development of targeted fermentation management practices for cidermaking. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

Yes / Ion channels represent a large and growing family of target proteins regulated by gasotransmitters such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and, as described more recently, hydrogen sulfide. Indeed, many of the biological actions of these gases can be accounted for by their ability to modulate ion channel activity. Here, we report recent evidence that H2S is a modulator of low voltage-activated T-type Ca2+ channels, and discriminates between the different subtypes of T-type Ca2+ channel in that it selectively modulates Cav3.2, whilst Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 are unaffected. At high concentrations, H2S augments Cav3.2 currents, an observation which has led to the suggestion that H2S exerts its pro-nociceptive effects via this channel, since Cav3.2 plays a central role in sensory nerve excitability. However, at more physiological concentrations, H2S is seen to inhibit Cav3.2. This inhibitory action requires the presence of the redox-sensitive, extracellular region of the channel which is responsible for tonic metal ion binding and which particularly distinguishes this channel isoform from Cav3.1 and 3.3. Further studies indicate that H2S may act in a novel manner to alter channel activity by potentiating the zinc sensitivity/affinity of this binding site. This review discusses the different reports of H2S modulation of T-type Ca2+ channels, and how such varying effects may impact on nociception given the role of this channel in sensory activity. This subject remains controversial, and future studies are required before the impact of T-type Ca2+ channel modulation by H2S might be exploited as a novel approach to pain management. / This work was supported by grants from the British Heart Foundation, the Medical Research Council, and the Hebei Medical University

No / T-type Ca2+ channels (Cav3.1, 3.2 and 3.3) strongly influence proliferation of various cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and certain cancers. We have recently shown that the gasotransmitter carbon monoxide (CO) inhibits T-type Ca2+ channels and, in so doing, attenuates proliferation of VSMC. We have also shown that the T-type Ca2+ channel Cav3.2 is selectively inhibited by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) whilst the other channel isoforms (Cav3.1 and Cav3.3) are unaffected. Here, we explored whether inhibition of Cav3.2 by H2S could account for the anti-proliferative effects of this gasotransmitter. H2S suppressed proliferation in HEK293 cells expressing Cav3.2, as predicted by our previous observations. However, H2S was similarly effective in suppressing proliferation in wild type (non-transfected) HEK293 cells and those expressing the H2S insensitive channel, Cav3.1. Further studies demonstrated that T-type Ca2+ channels in the smooth muscle cell line A7r5 and in human coronary VSMCs strongly influenced proliferation. In both cell types, H2S caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of proliferation, yet by far the dominant T-type Ca2+ channel isoform was the H2S-insensitive channel, Cav3.1. Our data indicate that inhibition of T-type Ca2+ channel-mediated proliferation by H2S is independent of the channels’ sensitivity to H2S. / This work was supported by the British Heart Foundation (PG/11/84/29146).

No / T-type Ca2+ channels are a distinct family of low voltage-activated Ca2+ channels which serve many roles in different tissues. Several studies have implicated them, for example, in the adaptive responses to chronic hypoxia in the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was more recently discovered as an important signalling molecule involved in many functions, including O2 sensing. Since ion channels are emerging as an important family of target proteins for modulation by H2S, and both T-type Ca2+ channels and H2S are involved in cellular responses to hypoxia, we have investigated whether recombinant and native T-type Ca2+ channels are a target for modulation by H2S. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we demonstrate that the H2S donor, NaHS, selectively inhibits Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells, whilst Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 channels were unaffected. Sensitivity of Cav3.2 channels to H2S required the presence of the redox-sensitive extracellular residue H191, which is also required for tonic binding of Zn2+ to this channel. Chelation of Zn2+ using TPEN prevented channel inhibition by H2S. H2S also selectively inhibited native T-type channels (primarily Cav3.2) in sensory dorsal root ganglion neurons. Our data demonstrate a novel target for H2S regulation, the T-type Ca2+ channel Cav3.2. Results have important implications for the proposed pro-nociceptive effects of this gasotransmitter. Implications for the control of cellular responses to hypoxia await further study.

Hydrogen sulfide mediates various physiological functions and along with carbon monoxide and nitric oxide it is an important gaseous signaling molecule. Cellular targets for H2S are proteins, enzymes, transcriptional factors or ion channels. In many cases, the effect of H2S on the regulatory protein is mediated by modifications of its cystein residues. In hemeproteins, the regulation of catalytic activity is induced by formation of the Fe(III)-SH complex or by reduction of the heme iron with subsequent formation of Fe(II)-O2 complex. The effect of Na2S on model sensor heme-containing proteins is presented in this thesis. Protein, isolated from bacterium Anaeromyxobacter sp. strain FW109-5, containing a globine coupled sensor domain and a histidine kinase domain is one of the studied proteins, the second one is protein isolated from bacterium Escherichie coli, containing a globine coupled sensor domain and a diguanylate cyclase domain. The effect of Na2S on both model proteins and their mutants was studied by UV-Vis spectral analysis. Spectra of YddV-HD Y43A were very unique, because thery confirmed formation of a homogenous complex Fe(III)-SH in this protein, whereas only mixtures of varous heme complexes were detected in other tested proteins. Additionally the effect of Na2S on functional domain...

A pancreatite aguda (PA), condição inflamatória do pâncreas caracterizada por dor abdominal e concentrações elevadas de enzimas pancreáticas e outras (ex.: amilase, fosfolipase A2, FLA2), representa a principal causa de hospitalização das doenças gastrointestinais. Entretanto, a patogênese da PA continua pouco compreendida e os tratamentos escassos. Nesse sentido, os objetivos deste estudo foram: i) avaliar comparativamente os efeitos inflamatórios e algogênicos das FLA2s secretória do veneno da serpente Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt) e de mamífero (bovino) e, ii) determinar mecanismos envolvidos (neurogênicos e dependentes do sulfeto de hidrogênio (H2S), um recentemente descrito mediador endógeno). A PA foi induzida pela injeção da FLA2 (300 mg/kg) crotálica ou bovina no ducto biliopancreático de ratos anestesiados e pré-tratados com salina, antagonistas dos receptores NK1/NK2 (SR140333/SR48968, e.v., - 15 min) Na2S (doador de H2S, i.p., - 30 min) ou propargilglicina (PGly, inibidor da enzima CSE envolvida na síntese endógena de H2S, i.p., - 30 min). Após 4 horas, a FLA2 crotálica ou bovina promoveu edema pancreático, infiltração de neutrófilos, amilasemia sérica e hiperalgesia abdominal. A FLA2 crotálica também aumentou a geração de H2S pancreática, as concentrações séricas de GT-γ e AST e promoveu leucopenia. O SR140333, mas não o SR48968, inibiu a hiperalgesia induzida por ambas as FLA2s, mas não afetou a PA ou índices enzimáticos. Tratamento com a PGly reduziu a PA induzida por ambas as FLA2, mas inibiu somente a hiperalgesia evocada pela FLA2 bovina. O doador espontâneo de H2S (Na2S) reduziu a PA e hiperalgesia induzidas pela PLA2 crotálica, mas não a amilasemia. Conclui-se que ambas as FLA2s representam ferramentas farmacológicas importantes na indução da PA, pois conseguem mimetizar sinais clássicos da PA em humanos. Em termos mecanisticos, conclui-se que enquanto a ativação do receptor NK1 consiste num mecanismo comum de regulação da resposta sensitiva abdominal (hiperalgésica) frente as duas FLA2s, o papel (protetor ou deletério) do H2S neste modelo ainda não está estabelecido. / Acute pancreatitis (AP), an inflammatory condition of the pancreas characterized by severe abdominal pain and increased levels of pancreatic enzymes and others in the blood (e.g. amilase, phospholipase A2, PLA2), is the leading cause of gastrointestinal hospitalization worldwide. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of AP still not fully understood and treatments are scant. This study aimed: i) to evaluate comparatively the inflammatory and algesic effects of PLA2 obtained from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus (PLA2 Cdt) snake or mammalian (bovine) and, ii) to establish involved mechanisms focusing on neurogenic aspects and the recent gasomediator (hydrogen sulfide, H2S). AP was induced by the injection of bovine PLA2 or sPLA2 from Cdt venom (300 μg/kg) into the common bile duct of anaesthetized rats pretreated with the NK1 or Nk2 receptor antagonists (SR140333/SR48968, i.v., - 15 min), with the H2S donor (Na2S, i.p., - 30 min) or the inhibitor of CSE, an enzyme involved in the endogenous H2S synthesis (Propargylglycin, PGly i.p., - 30 min). After 4 hours, both mammalian and crotalic PLA2s caused pancreatic oedema, local neutrophil infiltration, serum hyperamylasemia and abdominal hyperalgesia. Increased pancreatic production of H2S, serum levels of γ-GT and AST and leukopenia were also observed in Cdt-induced AP. SR140333, but not SR48968, blocked the abdominal hyperalgesia induced by both PLAs but failed to significantly affect the inflammatory response and increased enzymes concentrations in this model. PGly attenuated both mammalian and crotalic PLA2s-induced AP, but inhibited only the abdominal hyperalgesia evoked by bovine PLA,sub>2. Spontaneous H2S donor (Na2S) reduced crotalic PLA2-induced AP and associated abdominal hyperalgesia but failed to affect hyperamylasemia. In conclusion, both mammalian and crotalic PLA2 act as an important pharmacological tool since they can mimic signs and symptoms of human AP. Whereas NK1 receptor (neurogenic mechanism) mediates abdominal hyperalgesia is likely to be the common mechanism involved in AP evoked by both PLA2s, this study still raising questions regarding the role (protective or deleterious) of H2S in the pathophysiology of AP and related pain process.

Les aciers inoxydables lean duplex, à faible teneur en nickel et sans molybdène, représentent une alternative économique pour les usines de dessalement et l’industrie pétrolière. Celles-ci ont la particularité d’être exposées à des milieux très agressifs dont la présence de chlorure, de sulfure d’hydrogène, de hautes températures ou encore d’acides peut provoquer des phénomènes de fissuration sous contrainte.Cette étude est divisée en deux parties, la première se consacre aux milieux purement chlorurés et la seconde aux milieux contenant du sulfure d’hydrogène. Dans les deux parties, la compréhension des phénomènes liés à la fissuration sous contrainte des lean duplex est effectuée sur la nuance S32304, puis est comparée aux comportements des nuances S32202 et S32101. L’influence des milieux bouillants sur la résistance à la fissuration des aciers inoxydables, les mécanismes de dépassivation et de dissolution sélective des lean duplex, les différents modes de fissuration en présence de sulfure d’hydrogène ou encore l’amorçage de la corrosion sous contrainte assistée par le sulfure d’hydrogène sont abordés dans ce rapport. / Lean duplex stainless steels, with low content of nickel and without molybdenum, represent an economic alternative for desalting plants and petroleum industry. For these uses, steel have the particularity to be exposed to very aggressive environments inducing phenomenon of Stress Corrosion Cracking as chlorides, hydrogen sulphur, high temperatures or acids.This study is divided in two parts dedicated to two different environments. The first part is devoted to chloride middles and the second to hydrogen sulphur middles. In both parts, the understanding of phenomenon linked to the stress corrosion cracking of lean duplex is studied on the grade steel S32304, then is compared to the behaviour of grade steels S32202 and S32101. The topics treated in this report are notably the influence of boiling environments on the cracking resistance of stainless steels, the mechanism of unpassivation and selective dissolution of lean duplex, the different modes of cracking in presence of hydrogen sulphur, and the initiation of stress corrosion cracking assisted by hydrogen sulphur