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Updated: May 10, 2026
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Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Distinct solid and solution state self-assembly pathways of RADA16-I designer peptide
Ashley R Cormier1, Juan M Lopez-Majada, Rufina G Alamo
1FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32310-6046, USA.
Summary
Solid-state NMR reveals temperature-induced self-assembly of RADA16-I peptide into distinct β-sheets. Solid-state assembly forms in-register parallel β-sheets, differing from solution-state nanofibers.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Self-assembly of peptides like RADA16-I is crucial for biomaterials.
- Understanding the structural differences between solid-state and solution-state self-assembly is key for controlling material properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular-level structural changes during RADA16-I peptide self-assembly in the solid state.
- To compare the β-sheet structures formed in the solid state versus those in solution-state nanofibers.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy using selective (13)C labeling.
- Temperature-dependent NMR measurements (344-363 K) with PITHIRDS-CT pulse sequence.
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) for structural characterization.
Main Results:
- Temperature increase drives the conversion of α-helices to β-sheets in solid-state RADA16-I.
- Solid-state self-assembly results in in-register parallel β-sheets.
- β-sheets formed in the solid state exhibit structural differences compared to those in RADA16-I nanofibers.
Conclusions:
- Self-assembly mechanisms for RADA16-I β-sheets are environment-dependent (solid vs. solution).
- Solid-state assembly yields in-register parallel β-sheets, distinct from the registry-shifted sheets in nanofibers.
- Knowledge of these structural differences is vital for optimizing solution solubility and nanofiber yield.
