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Formation of Ordered Biomolecular Structures by the Self-assembly of Short Peptides
Published on: November 21, 2013
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Self-Assembling Coiled-Coil Peptide Nanotubes with Biomolecular Cargo Encapsulation
Monessha Nambiar1, Manish Nepal1, Jean Chmielewski1
1Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 18, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed self-assembling peptide nanotubes using a GCN4 zipper motif. These nanotubes can encapsulate biomolecular cargo, showing promise for molecular storage and drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Peptide self-assembly is a key strategy for creating novel nanostructures.
- The GCN4 zipper motif is a well-characterized coiled-coil structure known for its stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer peptide-based nanotubes with tunable morphology.
- To investigate the self-assembly mechanism of these peptide nanotubes.
- To explore the potential of these nanotubes for cargo encapsulation.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of a coiled-coil trimeric peptide based on the GCN4 zipper motif.
- Characterization of nanotube morphology using electron microscopy.
- Analysis of structural arrangement using X-ray scattering.
- Assessment of cargo encapsulation via electrostatic interactions.
Main Results:
- Self-assembly of peptide into nanotubes with diameters ranging from hundreds of nanometers to a micron.
- Tunable nanotube dimensions achieved by modifying buffer properties.
- Hexagonal close-packed arrangement of coiled-coils observed in tubular structures.
- Selective encapsulation of anionic dextran through electrostatic interactions.
Conclusions:
- Peptide nanotubes with tunable dimensions were successfully fabricated.
- The self-assembly process involves structural tiers and leads to a specific packing arrangement.
- The hollow interior and surface charge enable selective cargo encapsulation.
- These peptide nanotubes hold potential for applications in molecular storage and drug delivery.
