Peptide nanotube nematic phase.
The self-assembly of the trifluoroacetate salt of the short peptide (ala)6-lys (A6K) in water has been investigated by cryo-transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. For concentrations below ca. 12%, the peptide does not self-assemble but forms a molecularly dispersed solution. Above this critical concentration, however, A6K self-assembles into several-micrometer-long hollow nanotubes with a monodisperse cross-sectional radius of 26 nm. Because the peptides carry a positive charge, the nanotubes are charge-stabilized. Because of the very large aspect ratio, the tubes form an ordered phase that presumably is nematic.
Bucak
S
S
Department of Chemical Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey. seyda@yeditepe.edu.tr
Cenker
C
C
Nasir
I
I
Olsson
U
U
Zackrisson
M
M
D020285:Cryoelectron Microscopy; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D015233:Models, Statistical; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D012492:Salts / Q000737:chemistry; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013499:Surface Properties; D014269:Trifluoroacetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D014965:X-Rays
D010455:Peptides; D012492:Salts; D014867:Water; D014269:Trifluoroacetic Acid