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.
Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. meister@temple.edu
Christian E
CE
Schafmeister
Laura G
LG
Belasco
Patrick H
PH
Brown
D000042:Absorption; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D019563:Mechanics; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013053:Spectrophotometry
D010455:Peptides