Synthesis and modification of cyclic peptide nanotubes as imaging agents
Abstract
Peptide-based nanoassemblies have emerged as a promising avenue in chemistry, nanotechnology, and cancer diagnosis, opening new opportunities for advancement. This thesis describes the development of imaging nanoprobes based on the co-assembly of a series D,L-α cyclic octapeptides in an aqueous environment. This innovative strategy involves the incorporation of four distinct cyclic peptides, each with specific features crucial for the design of the imaging probe. Nanotubes were generated by co-assembly of an unmodified peptide, a PEGylated peptide, a fluorescein-labeled peptide, and a PSMA-targeting cyclic peptide within a single solution. These resulting co-assembled nanotubes exhibit potential for optical imaging in the context of prostate cancer.