Understanding the conformational analysis of gababutin based hybrid peptides

Constrained γ-amino acid gababutin (Gbn) based peptides that form different conformations have been synthesized. Striving to rationalize the impact of side chain orientations framing tetrapeptide-based supramolecular organic frameworks and morphological entities, Gbn incorporated hybrid peptides Boc-Gbn-Aib-Aaa-Aib-OMe (where Aaa = Phe(F) for peptide 1, Leu(L) for peptide 2 and Tyr(Y) for peptide 3) were synthesized by changing the amino acid at the third position. The solution state dual folded conformation (C₁₂/C₁₀ H-bonded) is probed by 2D NMR spectroscopy in support of a DMSO-d₆ titration and VT NMR experiments. Peptides 1-3 adopt a C₁₂/C₁₀ type H-bonded dual folded conformation in the crystal state. In addition, distinct supramolecular frameworks result from the modification and orientation of the third residue side chain of peptides 1-3. A solvent induced morphological diversity of peptides 1-3 is attained by modifying the side chain backbone of the tetrapeptides, which are investigated by various microscopic (SEM and AFM) studies. Gbn-based peptides 1-3 show significant morphological and supramolecular packing properties, which are fairly different from those of their gabapentin (Gpn) based analogue peptides.