Biomolecular structures are held together by a complex network of molecular interactions that direct assembly and stabilize structures. In order to translate the fundamental molecular interactions of biomolecules into the design of functional biomaterials, we have developed a model system that integrates nucleic acids and self-assembling peptides. These nucleopeptides serve as a small-model system for the study of the non-covalent molecular interactions involved in biomolecule self-assembly. We have scaled up and expanded the analysis of our original nucleopeptide library in order to further characterize these assembled structures. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were utilized to characterize the assembly structure and image the supramolecular morphology of the nucleopeptides. The emergent electronic properties of the nucleopeptide assemblies were analyzed by Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Collectively, these studies on nucleopeptide supramolecular structure assembly will contribute to the design of functional biomaterials with the potential to conduct and store electrical charge.

Analysis of emergent electronic properties of self-assembling nucleopeptides

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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