Kinetic Pathway of 3-Helix Micelle Formation

A subtle but highly pertinent factor in the self-assembly of hierarchical nanostructures is the kinetic landscape. Self-assembly of a hierarchical multicomponent system requires the intricate balance of noncovalent interactions on a similar energy scale that can result in several self-assembly processes occurring at different time scales. We seek to understand the hierarchical assemblies within an amphiphilic 3-helix peptide-PEG-lipid conjugate system in the formation process of highly stable 3-helix micelles (3HMs). 3HM self-assembles through multiple parallel processes: helix folding, coiled-coil formation, micelle assembly, and packing of alkyl chains. Our results show that the kinetic pathway of 3HM formation is mainly governed by two confounding factors: lateral diffusion of amphiphiles to form coiled-coils within the micelle corona and packing of alkyl tails within the hydrophobic micelle core. 3HM has exhibited highly desirable attributes as a drug delivery nanocarrier; understanding the role of individual components in the kinetic pathway of 3HM formation will allow us to exert better control over the kinetic pathway, as well as to enhance future design and eventually manipulate the kinetic intermediates for potential drug delivery applications.