Self-assembly of surfactant-like peptides

Langmuir. 2007 Dec 4;23(25):12729-36. doi: 10.1021/la7011183. Epub 2007 Nov 8.

Abstract

Inspired by recent work describing surfactant-like peptides, we have carried out a systematic study on peptides with the underlying composition of V6D2, altering the absolute sequence to determine the importance of the surfactant-like structure. All of the peptides examined here formed self-assembled structures in water. However, in contrast to other reports, we have found a surprising diversity of structures including fibers, tapes, and twisted ribbons but an absence of the vesicles and nanotubes described previously. Further investigations demonstrated that peptide purity plays a significant role in the outcome of the self-assembly. Different batches behave very differently, which can be linked to the compositions of these batches. This work shows that there is a need for not only rational design but also ease of synthesis of the building blocks for self-assembled structures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Water