Fluorescence Visualization of Helix Inversion in Biomimic Polymeric Foldamer

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Biomimetic Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Biomacromolecules like DNA and proteins feature helical structures crucial for biological functions.
• Artificial foldamers serve as biomimetic models to study structure-property relationships in biomacromolecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile, rapid, and cost-effective method for visualizing solvent-driven helix inversion in foldamers.
• To monitor conformational transitions in synthetic helical polymers using a functionalized dye.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a water-soluble poly(m-phenylene ethynylene)-based foldamer.
• Employed a tetraphenylethene-functionalized hemicyanine dye for visualization.
• Adjusted the solvent environment to induce and observe helix inversion.

Main Results:

• Successfully visualized and monitored the solvent-driven helix inversion (M-helix to P-helix) in the foldamer.
• Observed a change in dye binding mode from groove to surface upon helix inversion.
• Detected a visible emission color change from yellow to red, correlating with helix inversion.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a powerful tool for studying conformational transitions in biomacromolecules.
• Offers insights into the dynamic behavior and solvent-responsive properties of helical foldamer structures.
• Highlights the potential of functionalized dyes as sensors for molecular conformational changes.