Self-assembled peptide nanofibers are important biomaterials that have applications in fields from tissue culture to drug delivery. As these applications continue to grow, the need to expand methods to control the reactivity of nanofiber surfaces also grows. Previously, our lab published a report on a thiol-thioester exchange reaction on the nanofiber surface and subsequent post-assembly modification with thiol chemistry. Going forward, our current studies seek to expand the available types of dynamic-covalent chemistry that can modify the surfaces of peptide nanofibers to include hydrazone condensation reactions. We have characterized a thiazolidine unmasking reaction on the surface of our peptide to reveal an α-glyoxyl, which then reacts with nicotinic hydrazide in a condensation reaction to form a hydrazone on the surface of the peptide. Currently, we are optimizing the condensation reaction using different pH conditions and buffers. Our work will help advance the field of biomaterials by allowing multiple modifications to be made, from dyes to other biomolecules, on the surface of assembled peptide nanofibers.

Chemical reactivity on the surface of self-assembling peptides

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.