Design, Synthesis, Assembly, and Engineering of Peptoid Nanosheets

Two-dimensional (2D) atomically defined organic nanomaterials are an important material class with broad applications. However, few general synthetic methods exist to produce such materials in high yields and to precisely functionalize them. One strategy to form ordered 2D organic nanomaterials is through the supramolecular assembly of sequence-defined synthetic polymers. Peptoids, one such class of polymer, are designable bioinspired heteropolymers whose main-chain length and monomer sequence can be precisely controlled. We have recently discovered that individual peptoid polymers with a simple sequence of alternating hydrophobic and ionic monomers can self-assemble into highly ordered, free-floating nanosheets. A detailed understanding of their molecular structure and supramolecular assembly dynamics provides a robust platform for the discovery of new classes of nanosheets with tunable properties and novel applications. In this Account, we discuss the discovery, characterization, assembly, molecular modeling, and functionalization of peptoid nanosheets. The fundamental properties of peptoid nanosheets, their mechanism of formation, and their application as robust scaffolds for molecular recognition and as templates for the growth of inorganic minerals have been probed by an arsenal of experimental characterization techniques (e.g., scanning probe, electron, and optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, surface-selective vibrational spectroscopy, and surface tensiometry) and computational techniques (coarse-grained and atomistic modeling). Peptoid nanosheets are supramolecular assemblies of 16-42-mer chains that form molecular bilayers. They span tens of microns in lateral dimensions and freely float in water. Their component chains are highly ordered, with chains nearly fully extended and packed parallel to one another as a result of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Nanosheets form via a novel interface-catalyzed monolayer collapse mechanism. Peptoid chains first assemble into a monolayer at either an air-water or oil-water interface, on which peptoid chains extend, order, and pack into a brick-like pattern. Upon mechanical compression of the interface, the monolayer buckles into stable bilayer structures. Recent work has focused on the design of nanosheets with tunable properties and functionality. They are readily engineerable, as functional monomers can be readily incorporated onto the nanosheet surface or into the interior. For example, functional hydrophilic "loops" have been displayed on the surfaces of nanosheets. These loops can interact with specific protein targets, serving as a potentially general platform for molecular recognition. Nanosheets can also bind metal ions and serve as 2D templates for mineral growth. Through our understanding of the formation mechanism, along with predicted features ascertained from molecular modeling, we aim to further design and synthesize nanosheets as robust protein mimetics with the potential for unprecedented functionality and stability.