Abstract
We report a peptide-based multichromophoric hydrogelator system, wherein π-electron units with different inherent spectral energies are spatially controlled within peptidic 1-D nanostructures to create localized energy gradients in aqueous environments. This is accomplished by mixing different π-conjugated peptides prior to initiating self-assembly through solution acidification. We can vary the kinetics of the assembly and the degree of self-sorting through the choice of the assembly trigger, which changes the kinetics of acidification. The hydrolysis of glucono-'lactone (GdL) provides a slow pH drop that allows for stepwise triggering of peptide components into essentially self-sorted nanostructures based on subtle pKa differences, whereas HCl addition leads to a rapid formation of mixed components within a nanostructure. Using 1H NMR spectroscopy and fiber X-ray diffraction, we determine the conditions and peptide mixtures that favor self-sorting or intimate comixing. Photophysical investigations in the solution phase provide insight into the correlation of energy-transport processes occurring within the assemblies to the structural organization of the π-systems.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 8685-8692 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of the American Chemical Society |
Volume | 139 |
Issue number | 25 |
Early online date | 16 Jun 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28 Jun 2017 |
Keywords
- Nanostructures
- Supramolecular structures and assemblies
- Peptides and proteins
- Absorption
- Hydrogels
Profiles
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Matthew Wallace
- School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology - UKRI Future Leaders Fellow
- Pharmaceutical Materials and Soft Matter - Member
Person: Research Group Member, Academic, Teaching & Research