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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

3D Printing of Biomolecular Models for Research and Pedagogy
Published on: March 13, 2017
Flexible and modular 3D-printed peptide models
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
Abstract:
A flexible and modular peptide modeling set was designed using freely available software tools. The set consists of space-filling models of all 20 naturally occurring amino acid side chains and a modular kit for constructing peptides employing C-alpha carbons and amide bond groups. Connectors that allow free rotation about phi and psi angles on the peptide, together with explicit representation of peptide backbone hydrogen bond donor and acceptors allows for the construction of a wide range of protein secondary structure motifs. The space-filling side chain models highlight the steric, acid-base, and polarity of these groups. These models were printed using relatively affordable commercially available fused filament fabrication printers with minimal postprinting processing. Use of these models in student group activities focused on amino acids and protein secondary structural features is described. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):432-437, 2019.
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