Fabrication of nanofibers with uniform morphology by self-assembly of designed peptides

Chemistry. 2004 Jun 7;10(11):2789-94. doi: 10.1002/chem.200305735.

Abstract

Fabrication of controlled peptide nanofibers with homogeneous morphology has been demonstrated. Amphiphilic beta-sheet peptides were designed as sequences of Pro-Lys-X(1)-Lys-X(2)-X(2)-Glu-X(1)-Glu-Pro. X(1) and X(2) were hydrophobic residues selected from Phe, Ile, Val, or Tyr. The peptide FI (X(1)=Phe; X(2)=Ile) self-assemble into straight fibers with 80-120 nm widths and clear edges, as examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The fiber formation is performed in a hierarchical manner: beta-sheet peptides form a protofibril, the protofibrils assemble side-by-side to form a ribbon, and the ribbons then coil in a left-handed fashion to make up a straight fiber. These type of fibers are formed from peptides possessing hydrophobic aromatic Phe residue(s). Furthermore, a peptide with Ala residues at both N and C termini does not form fibers (100 nm scale) with clear edges; this causes random aggregation of small pieces of fibers instead. Thus, the combination of unique amphiphilic sequences and terminal Pro residues determine the fiber morphology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Circular Dichroism / methods
  • Nanotechnology
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Protein Structure, Secondary

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Peptides