Synthesis and Aggregation Studies of Amino Acid-Derived Reduction-Responsive Bolaamphiphilic Compounds with Applications in Drug Delivery and DNA Condensation

Abstract

This thesis explores peptide-based nanocarriers, specifically cationic vesicles and nanogels formed from bolaamphiphilic molecules with a cystamine core and dipeptide groups. The first chapter discusses how these molecules form vesicles at acidic pH, capable of loading hydrophobic cargos, with sizes ranging from 140 to 500 nm. The second chapter explores nanogels that transition from vesicles at pH 4 to nanogels at pH 7, enhancing cellular uptake and improving photodynamic therapy (PDT). The third chapter introduces a dicationic diphenylalanine derivative for reversible, redox-controlled DNA condensation. This work highlights the potential of peptide-based nanomaterials in drug delivery, gene therapy, and PDT.