Consecutive conformational transitions and deaggregation of multiple-helical poly(diacetylene)s.
The polymerization of diacetylene macromonomers based on oligopeptide-polymer conjugates yields conjugated polymers with multiple-helical quaternary structures. These polymers exhibit a rich dynamic folding behavior upon the addition of protic cosolvents. Thus, a helix-helix transition under helix-sense inversion was followed by a reversible helix-coil transition. Both transitions involved changes in the aggregation state of the multiple-helical superstructures. The resemblance of the observed consecutive and cooperative conformational transitions to those of biopolymers underlines the importance of supramolecular self-assembly as a pathway toward biofunctional materials with optoelectronic activity.
Weiss
Jan
J
Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Jahnke
Eike
E
Severin
Nikolai
N
Rabe
Jürgen P
JP
Frauenrath
Holger
H
D000480:Alkynes / Q000737:chemistry*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties
D000480:Alkynes; D046911:Macromolecular Substances