Peptoids (<i>N</i>-substituted oligomers) are peptidomimetic molecules that are resistant to protease degradation and have increased biostability and membrane permeability. Peptoids have exhibited therapeutic and antibacterial properties. To develop peptoid-based therapeutics and antibacterial coatings, we need an increased understanding of their interactions with cell membranes. Adsorption of water-soluble peptoids to synthetic lipid membranes was quantified using second harmonic generation (SHG), a laser-based spectroscopy technique. In our experiments, SHG was used to measure biologically relevant peptoid concentrations at the aqueous-bilayer interface. Peptoid structure (length, substituent identity, charge) and membrane composition (lipid identity, cholesterol content) were varied. Additionally, zwitterionic lipid membranes were doped with cationic or anionic lipids to test electrostatic interactions. A molecular-level understanding of peptoid-lipid interactions will allow us to build models which we can use to predict the physiological implications of introducing peptoids into the human body.

Adsorption of water-soluble peptoids to synthetic phospholipid membranes monitored by Second Harmonic Generation (SHG)

2019 Spring National Meeting

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