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Double smectic self-assembly in block copolypeptide complexes.

Johannes S Haataja1, Nikolay Houbenov, Hermis Iatrou

  • 1Molecular Materials, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University School of Science (formerly Helsinki University of Technology), P.O. Box 15100, FI-02015 Espoo, Finland.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study reveals double smectic-like self-assemblies in poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate)-block-poly(l-lysine) (PBLG-b-PLL) complexes. Controlling surfactant tail length and branching influences polypeptide conformation and packing, enabling design of hierarchical liquid-crystalline assemblies.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Materials Science
  • Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

  • Block copolymers like poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate)-block-poly(l-lysine) (PBLG-b-PLL) can self-assemble into ordered structures.
  • Ionic complexation of polypeptide side chains with surfactants offers a route to tune self-assembly behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the solid-state self-assembly of PBLG-b-PLL complexes with varying phosphate surfactants.
  • To understand how surfactant structure influences the conformational states (α-helix or β-sheet) and packing of the polypeptide blocks.
  • To explore the role of packing frustration in directing hierarchical liquid-crystalline assembly.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of PBLG-b-PLL block copolymers.
  • Ionic complexation of the poly(l-lysine) (PLL) block with different dialkyl phosphates (diC4P, diC2/6P, diC8/12P, diC12P).
  • Solid-state characterization of the resulting complexes using techniques sensitive to molecular conformation and layered structures.

Main Results:

  • Double smectic-like assemblies with alternating PBLG α-helix layers and PLL-surfactant layers were observed.
  • Short, linear alkyl tails (diC4P) resulted in alternating α-helical layers with minimal packing frustration.
  • Longer or branched tails (diC2/6P, diC8/12P) increased PLL α-helix diameter, leading to packing frustration and tilted arrangements or disordered structures.
  • Linear dodecyl tails (diC12P) induced β-sheet formation in the PLL block, dominating the assembly.

Conclusions:

  • Packing frustration is a critical factor in designing block copolymer assemblies.
  • Hierarchical liquid-crystalline structures can be controlled by tuning competing interactions and molecular packing.
  • The conformational flexibility of the PLL block, modulated by the complexed surfactant, dictates the overall self-assembly outcome.