A family of synthetic supramolecular polymers has been developed that self-assembles into well defined helical structures. Based on tetrapeptides of the general structure KSXZKS (KS = lysine modified with an S-aroylthiooxime [SATO]; X and Z are variable amino acids), some form nanocoil assemblies spontaneously in water, while others initially form nanoribbons that transform into helical ribbons upon addition of salt. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations revealed that helix formation is driven by a preferred collapsed conformation combined with specific directional interactions. The nanocoils are capable of releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a biological signaling gas, in response cysteine-triggered degradation of the SATO units. We have also shown that they can template the formation of helical arrays of silver nanoparticles, which enhance Raman scattering compared with nanoribbons of similar dimensions.

Helical supramolecular polymers: Self-assembly, bioactivity, and templation of metal nanoparticle arrays

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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