Nature uses proteins and nucleic acids to form a wide array of structure motifs. Synthetic biologists have applied these motifs for the rational design of supramolecular biomaterials. Intricate assemblies of fibers, nets and spheres have been synthesized and characterized; however, existing approaches tend to lack fine control over size and morphology. In an effort to address ? this limitation, we have developed system based on self-assembly of a modular subunit consisting of two a-helical coiled coils attached at their midpoints by an organic linking group. By altering linking group structure and coiled-coil folded stability, we have demonstrated the modularity of the system can be exploited to control size and morphoolgy in the supramolecular polymers formed by subunit self-assembly. The ability to predictably tune properties of the supramolecular assemblies could be a valuable in their use toward functional biomaterials. 

Modular supramolecular biomaterials utilizing a coiled-coil scaffold

247th National Meeting (2014)

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