Observation of contraction and expansion in a bis(peptide)-based mechanical molecular actuator.
A novel, bis(peptide) based molecular actuator (1) has been synthesized. It is demonstrated to undergo contraction and expansion controlled by the addition and removal of Cu2+; this is demonstrated by the direct observation of a change in hydrodynamic properties by using sedimentation analysis and size exclusion chromatography. The molecule undergoes a large change in sedimentation coefficient, axial ratio, and size exclusion chromatography elution time when it binds copper. The demonstration of a controlled change in the mechanical properties of 1 make it a good starting point for the development of molecular devices that will harness changes in molecular shape and size to create molecular devices such as sensors or valves.
Schafmeister
Christian E
CE
Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. meister@temple.edu
Belasco
Laura G
LG
Brown
Patrick H
PH
D000042:Absorption; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D019563:Mechanics; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013053:Spectrophotometry
D010455:Peptides