Soft hydrogels from nanotubes of poly(ethylene oxide)-tetraphenylalanine conjugates prepared by click chemistry.
A new poly(ethylene oxide)-tetraphenylalanine polymer-peptide conjugate has been prepared via a "click" reaction between an alkyne-modified peptide and an azide-terminated PEO oligomer. Self-assembled nanotubes are formed after dialysis of a THF solution of this polymer-peptide conjugate against water. The structure of these nanotubes has been probed by circular dichroism, IR, TEM, and SAXS. From these data, it is apparent that self-assembly involves the formation of antiparallel beta-sheets and pi-pi-stacking. Nanotubes are formed at concentrations between 2 and 10 mg mL(-1). Entanglement between adjacent nanotubes occurs at higher concentrations, resulting in the formation of soft hydrogels. Gel strength increases at higher polymer-peptide conjugate concentration, as expected.
Tzokova
Nadia
N
Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK.
Fernyhough
Christine M
CM
Topham
Paul D
PD
Sandon
Nicolas
N
Adams
Dave J
DJ
Butler
Michael F
MF
Armes
Steven P
SP
Ryan
Anthony J
AJ
D002942:Circular Dichroism; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D015394:Molecular Structure; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D012212:Rheology; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; D013057:Spectrum Analysis
D020100:Hydrogels; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D010649:Phenylalanine