Thermomechanical manipulation of aromatic peptide nanotubes.
Self-assembling aromatic dipeptides are among the smallest known biological materials which readily form ordered nanostructures. The simplicity of nanotube formation makes them highly desirable for a range of bionanotechnology applications. Here, we investigate the application of the atomic force microscope as a thermomechanical lithographic tool for the machining of nanotubes formed by two self-assembling aromatic peptides; diphenylalanine and dinapthylalanine. Trenches and indentations of varying depth and width were patterned into the peptide tubes with nanometer precision highlighting the ability to thermally machine and manipulate these robust and versatile nanotubes.
Sedman
Victoria L
VL
Laboratory of Biophysics and Surface Analysis, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
Allen
Stephanie
S
Chen
Xinyong
X
Roberts
Clive J
CJ
Tendler
Saul J B
SJ
D004151:Dipeptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / Q000737:chemistry; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013696:Temperature
D004151:Dipeptides; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic