PH-dependent self-assembly of the short Surfactant-like peptide KA6.
Self-assembly of amphiphilic peptides designed during the last ten years by different research groups lead to a large variety of 3D-structures that already found applications in e.g., for stabilization of large protein complexes, cell culturing systems etc. We present synthesis and characterization of a novel amphiphilic peptide KA6 that exhibits clear charge separation controllable by the pH of the environment. The self-assembly in this system is largely governed by electrostatic interaction, thus a change in pH will not only lead to a change in critical micellar concentration (CMC) of the peptide but also to the changes in micellar structure as revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and circular dichroism (CD) study. At basic pH the micellar structure inverts exposing the opposite end of the peptide chain to the solution. This interesting phenomenon could provide basis for novel pH sensitive materials including drug delivery and controlled release systems.
Inst. of Physics and Nanotechnology, Aalborg University, Skjernvej 4A, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark.
Leonid
L
Gurevich
Trine Wrist
TW
Poulsen
Ole Zoffmann
OZ
Andersen
Nikolaj Lillelund
NL
Kildeby
Peter
P
Fojan
D002942:Circular Dichroism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008823:Micelles; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008958:Models, Molecular; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*
D008823:Micelles; D010455:Peptides; D013501:Surface-Active Agents