A small molecule peptidomimetic of spider silk and webs

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Oct 28;50(84):12749-52. doi: 10.1039/c4cc04475d.

Abstract

A peptidomimetic compound containing leucine, tyrosine and malonic acid self-assembles through various noncovalent interactions to form spider silk-like fibers at ambient temperature. From the high-density liquid, a liquid-solid phase transition is initiated at 20 °C and solidification occurs upon contact with air. The fiber has comprehensive mechanical strength and optical properties similar to spider silk, and can be used to mimic a natural spider web.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Leucine / chemistry
  • Malonates / chemistry
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Peptidomimetics
  • Phase Transition
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Silk / chemistry*
  • Spiders
  • Tensile Strength
  • Transition Temperature
  • Tyrosine / chemistry

Substances

  • Malonates
  • Peptidomimetics
  • Silk
  • Tyrosine
  • malonic acid
  • Leucine