This presentation describes a new class of bioinspired rod-shaped nanostructure that is stabilized by a combination of covalent and hydrogen bonds. Prior work by others had shown that cyclic �-tripeptides self-assemble into supramolecular nanorods through backbone-backbone hydrogen bonds. We covalently polymerized cyclic �-tripeptide subunits into polymers that can also form nanorods, now stabilized by a combination of hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds between adjacent cyclic peptide subunits. The resulting peptide nanorod polymers (PNPs) undergo pH-driven unfolding from a stiff rod shape to a disordered state caused by electrostatic repulsion of amine-bearing side chains. Atomic force microscopy of solution and spun cast PNPs reveals the stabilized structures form rigid nanorods exhibiting bending moduli larger than other previously reported fibrillar peptides. Furthermore, theoretical predictions were consistent with experimental findings.  The solubility and structural control through combining covalent and non-covalent bonds suggest the PNPs may not only exhibit processability but also mimic toughness and elasticity found in nature.

Cyclic peptide nanorod polymers

244th National Meeting (2012)

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