Co-assembled C13-dipeptide hydrogels by Gallic Acid (CA) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with antibacterial activity

The self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels have been widely utilized in foods.However,the self-assembled hydrogels still have some shortages such as low mechanical properties and hydrogel stabilities.Herein,we designed two co-assembled C_(13)-WS hydrogels conjugated by Gallic Acid(CA)and Epigallocatechin Gallate(EGCG).The introduction of CA and EGCG into C_(13)-WS hydrogels can significantly improve the mechanical properties and hydrogel stabilities.The storage modulus(G’)values of co-assembled C_(13)-WS/CA and C_(13)-WS/EGCG were 13.33 KPa and 16 KPa,respectively.From transmission electron microscope(TEM)results,CA and EGCG contributed to the rearrangement of C_(13)-WS molecules during co-assembly.Moreover,the self-/co-assembled C_(13)-WS hydrogels showed antimicrobial activity against E.coli,P.aeruginosa,and S.epidermidis.The introduction of CA and EGCG significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of C_(13)-WS hydrogels.Our findings provide a novel strategy for the development of stable supramolecular antibacterial short peptide hydrogels through co-assembly.