Bioactive peptides and peptide nanostructures

This thematic issue is devoted to the broad and innovative field of bioactive peptides and peptide nanostructures, with a focus on their design, synthesis, structural elucidation, and (bio)functional assessment. The goal is to bring together recent developments that highlight the role of peptides as key molecular entities in chemical biology and drug discovery.

We invite contributions that present new synthetic strategies for peptide construction, with a particular focus on eco-friendly and sustainable methodologies that align with green chemistry principles. Studies employing computational tools for peptide design, modeling, and mechanistic analysis are also of special interest, as they provide valuable insights into peptide function and interaction at the molecular level. In addition, we welcome articles dedicated to structural characterization techniques (including but not limited to spectroscopy, crystallography, advanced NMR techniques, and computational methods) that deepen our understanding of peptide architecture and structure–function relationships.

Submissions exploring peptide self-assembly phenomena and their application in creating functional nanostructures or biomaterials are also highly encouraged. The thematic issue also aims to showcase novel bioactive peptides, either derived from natural sources or designed de novo, alongside comprehensive biological evaluation to elucidate their mode of action and therapeutic potential.

Through this thematic issue, we aim to provide a curated collection of original research, Review, and Perspective articles that reflect the state of the art in peptide science and peptide nanostructures. Both experimental and theoretical contributions are encouraged to provide a well-rounded perspective on the opportunities and challenges in this vibrant area of research. We look forward to your submissions and to fostering a stimulating dialogue within the scientific community.

Topics include:

• Synthetic methodologies
• Green and sustainable chemical methods
• Bioorthogonal functionalization in solution
• In-silico design and mechanistic elucidation
• Peptide structural characterization
• Peptide self-assembly
• Biological characterization
• Methodological development for biological testing of peptides in vitro and in vivo

Submission deadline: September 30, 2026