The conformation of a family of α1 and α2 polyglycine-containing organo-polyoxometalates was determined through a mixed experimental/molecular dynamics approach. The flexible peptide arm folds around the metal oxide surface in a rigid arrangement in low to average polarity solvents. The topology of the hybrid is the main factor that determines which oxos from the metal-oxide surface accept a H-bond from the closest amino acid. The rest of the peptide follows in a zipper mechanism that establishes a H-bond network that locks the system. The covalent constraint leads to a new type of H-bond where two consecutive amino acids clamp down terminal oxo ligands.
Keywords: hydrogen bonds; molecular dynamics; molecular modeling; peptides; polyoxometalates.
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