Nanotube and Three-Way Nanotube Formation with Nonionic Amphiphilic Block Peptides

Reversible transformation of peptide assembly between densified-polysarcosine-driven kinetically and helix-orientation-driven thermodynamically stable morphologies

Stimuli-responsive transformable biomaterials development can be manipulated practically by fine-tuning the built-in molecular design of their structural segments. Here, we demonstrate a peptide assembly by the bola-type amphiphilic polypeptide, glycolic acid-polysarcosine (PSar)13-b-(L-Leu-Aib)6-b-PSar13-glycolic acid (S13L12S13), which shows morphological transformations between hydrophilic chain-driven and hydrophobic unit-driven morphologies. The hydrophobic α-helical unit (L-Leu-Aib)6 precisely controls packing in the hydrophobic layer of the assembly and induces tubule formation. The densified, hydrophilic PSar chain on the assembly surface becomes slightly more hydrophobic as the temperature increases above 70 °C, starting to disturb the helix-helix interaction-driven formation of tubules. As a result, the S13L12S13 peptide assembly undergoes a reversible vesicle-nanotube transformation following a time course at room temperature and a heat treatment above 80 °C. Using membrane fluidity analysis with DPH and TMA-DPH and evaluating the environment surrounding the PSar side chain with NMR, we clarify that the vesicle was in a kinetically stable state driven by the dehydrated PSar chain, while the nanotube was in a thermodynamically stable state.

End-Sealing of Peptide Nanotubes by Cationic Amphiphilic Polypeptides and Their Salt-Responsive Accordion-like Opening and Closing Behavior

One strategy to prepare phase-separated co-assembly is to use the existing assembly as a platform to architect structures. For this purpose, the edge of a sheet or tube-shaped molecular assembly, which is less hydrophilic than the bulk region can become a starting point to build assembly units to realize more complex structures. In this study, we succeeded in preparing rod-shaped nanocapsules with previously unachieved sealing efficiency (>99%) by fine-tuning the properties of cationic amphiphilic polypeptides to seal the ends of neutral charge nanotubes. In addition, we demonstrated the nanocapsule's reversible responsiveness to salt. In high salt concentrations, a decrease in electrostatic repulsion between cationic polypeptides caused tearing and shrinking of the nanocapsule's sealing dome, which resulted in an opened nanotube. On the other hand, when salt was removed, the electrostatic repulsion among the cationic peptides localizing on the edge of opened nanocapsules was recovered, and the sealing membrane swelled up like an accordion to create a distance between the peptides, resulting in the restoration of the seal.

Supramolecular Hybrids from Cyanometallate Complexes and Diblock Copolypeptide Amphiphiles in Water

The self-assembly of discrete cyanometallates has attracted significant interest due to the potential of these materials to undergo soft metallophilic interactions as well as their optical properties. Diblock copolypeptide amphiphiles have also been investigated concerning their capacity for self-assembly into morphologies such as nanostructures. The present work combined these two concepts by examining supramolecular hybrids comprising cyanometallates with diblock copolypeptide amphiphiles in aqueous solutions. Discrete cyanometallates such as [Au(CN)2]-, [Ag(CN)2]-, and [Pt(CN)4]2- dispersed at the molecular level in water cannot interact with each other at low concentrations. However, the results of this work demonstrate that the addition of diblock copolypeptide amphiphiles such as poly-(L-lysine)-block-(L-cysteine) (Lysm-b-Cysn) to solutions of these complexes induces the supramolecular assembly of the discrete cyanometallates, resulting in photoluminescence originating from multinuclear complexes with metal-metal interactions. Electron microscopy images confirmed the formation of nanostructures of several hundred nanometers in size that grew to form advanced nanoarchitectures, including those resembling the original nanostructures. This concept of combining diblock copolypeptide amphiphiles with discrete cyanometallates allows the design of flexible and functional supramolecular hybrid systems in water.

Tubular Assembly Formation Induced by Leucine Alignment along the Hydrophobic Helix of Amphiphilic Polypeptides

The introduction of α-helical structure with a specific helix-helix interaction into an amphipathic molecule enables the determination of the molecular packing in the assembly and the morphological control of peptide assemblies. We previously reported that the amphiphilic polypeptide SL12 with a polysarcosine (PSar) hydrophilic chain and hydrophobic α-helix (l-Leu-Aib)₆ involving the LxxxLxxxL sequence, which induces homo-dimerization due to the concave-convex interaction, formed a nanotube with a uniform 80 nm diameter. In this study, we investigated the importance of the LxxxLxxxL sequence for tube formation by comparing amphiphilic polypeptide SL4A4L4 with hydrophobic α-helix (l-Leu-Aib)₂-(l-Ala-Aib)₂-(l-Leu-Aib)₂ and SL12. SL4A4L4 formed spherical vesicles and micelles. The effect of the LxxxLxxxL sequence elongation on tube formation was demonstrated by studying assemblies of PSar-b-(l-Ala-Aib)-(l-Leu-Aib)₆-(l-Ala-Aib) (SA2L12A2) and PSar-b-(l-Leu-Aib)₈ (SL16). SA2L12A2 formed nanotubes with a uniform 123 nm diameter, while SL16 assembled into vesicles. These results showed that LxxxLxxxL is a necessary and sufficient sequence for the self-assembly of nanotubes. Furthermore, we fabricated a double-layer nanotube by combining two kinds of nanotubes with 80 and 120 nm diameters-SL12 and SA2L12A2. When SA2L12A2 self-assembled in SL12 nanotube dispersion, SA2L12A2 initially formed a rolled sheet, the sheet then wrapped the SL12 nanotube, and a double-layer nanotube was obtained.

Stacking of nanorings to generate nanotubes for acceleration of protein refolding

Self-assembly and photoisomerization of azobenzene-based amphiphilic molecules produced nanorings with an inner diameter of 25 nm and lengths of <40 nm. The nanorings, which consisted of a single bilayer membrane of the amphiphiles, retained their morphology in the presence of a stacking inhibitor; whereas in the absence of the inhibitor, the nanorings stacked into short nanotubes (<500 nm). When subjected to mild heat treatment, these nanotubes joined end-to-end to form nanotubes with lengths of several tens of micrometers. The nanorings and the short and long nanotubes were able to encapsulate proteins and thereby suppress aggregation induced by thermal denaturation. In addition, the nanotubes accelerated refolding of denatured proteins by encapsulating them and then releasing them into the bulk solution; refolding occurred simultaneously with release. In contrast, the nanorings did not accelerate protein refolding. Refolding efficiency increased with increasing nanotube length, indicating that the re-aggregation of the proteins was strictly inhibited by lowering the concentration of the proteins in the bulk solution as the result of the slow release from the longer nanotubes. The migration of the proteins through the long, narrow nanochannels during the release process will also contribute to refolding.

Solvent Effects on the Self-Assembly of an Amphiphilic Polypeptide Incorporating α-Helical Hydrophobic Blocks

The self-assembly of biological molecules is an important pathway to understanding the molecular basis of complex metabolic events. The presence of a cosolvent in an aqueous solution during the self-assembly process can promote the formation of kinetically trapped metastable intermediates. In nature, a category of cosolvents termed osmolytes can work to strengthen the hydrogen-bond network of water such that the native states of certain proteins are favored, thus modulating their function and stability. However, identifying cosolvents that act as osmolytes in biomimetic applications, such as the self-assembly of soft materials, remains challenging. The present work examined the effects of ethanol (EtOH) and acetonitrile (ACN) as cosolvents on the self-assembly of the amphiphilic polypeptide PSar₃₀-(l-Leu-Aib)₆ (S30L12), which incorporates α-helical hydrophobic blocks, in aqueous solution. The results provided a direct observation of morphological behavior of S30L12 as a function of solvent composition. Morphological transitions were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, while the packing of peptide molecules was assessed using circular dichroism analyses and evaluations of membrane fluidity. In the EtOH/H₂O mixtures, the EtOH strengthened the hydrogen-bond network of the water, thus limiting the hydrophobic hydration of S30L12 assemblies and enhancing hydrophobic interactions between assemblies. In contrast, ACN formed self-associated nanoclusters in water and at the hydrophobic cores of peptide assemblies to stabilize the edges exposed to bulk water and enhance the assembly kinetics. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated that both EtOH and ACN can modify the self-assembly of biomaterials in the same manner as osmolyte protectants or denaturants.

A Novel Surface Modification and Immobilization Method of Anti-CD25 Antibody on Nonwoven Fabric Filter Removing Regulatory T Cells Selectively

Anti-CD25 antibodies were immobilized on polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabrics to specifically remove mouse regulatory T cells (Tregs) from mouse spleen cells. PP fibers were coated with peptide nanosheets, which were prepared by self-assembling of a mixture of X-poly(sarcosine)-b-(l-Leu-Aib)₆ (X: glycolic acid or a phenylboronic acid) and Y-poly(sarcosine)-b-(d-Leu-Aib)₆ (Y: glycolic acid or diazirine derivative). Anti-CD25 antibodies were immobilized by covalent linking between the sugar moiety of the antibody and the phenylboronic acid group on the peptide nanosheet. The removal rate of mouse Tregs from the mouse spleen cells was more than 95% only by passing the filters, while the nonspecific removal rates of other cells were less than 15%. The coating of peptide nanosheets on PP fibers was very effective to provide a suitable environment for the immobilized antibody to interact with the counterpart cells while the coating suppressed nonspecific adsorption of other cells.

Tubular Network Formation by Mixing Amphiphilic Polypeptides with Differing Hydrophilic Blocks

Artificial tubular networks are promising structures for biomaterial applications because of their large surface areas. A tubular network was formed by co-assembling two different amphiphilic polypeptides, poly(ethylene glycol)-b-(l-Leu-Aib)₆ (PL12) and polysarcosine-b-(l-Leu-Aib)₆ (SL12). They both have the same hydrophobic 12-mer helical block (l-Leu-Aib)₆ but different hydrophilic chains, poly(ethylene glycol) and polysarcosine. In water, both polypeptides self-assembled into a tubular structure having a uniform 80 nm diameter that was formed by packing among the hydrophobic L12 blocks. The SL12 nanotubes were short (200 nm), straight, and robust. PL12 formed long (>1 μm), bendable, and fusogenic nanotubes. The amphiphiles were then co-assembled with various mixing ratios to form tubular networks. Higher concentrations of PL12 made the nanotubes more bendable and fusogenic between open tube ends, which produced branching junctions under heat treatment.

Sterical Recognition at Helix-Helix Interface of Leu-Aib-Based Polypeptides with and without a GxxxG-Motif

An amphiphilic polypeptide, poly(sarcosine)- b-(l-Leu-Aib)₈ (SL16), was reported to self-assemble into vesicles. A GxxxG motif, which is known to induce helix dimerization, is incorporated into the hydrophobic helical block of SL16 to synthesize poly(sarcosine)- b-(l-Leu-Aib)₂-(Gly-Aib-l-Leu-Aib-Gly-Aib)-(l-Leu-Aib)₃ (SG16). SG16 shows helix association in ethanol at a high concentration and low temperatures, which is not observed with SL16. SG16 self-assembles into vesicles, but are found to be more susceptible to rupture by the addition of Triton X-100 than SL16 vesicles. A mixture of SL16 and SG16 self-assembles into small sheets and micelles likely because of mismatch of the modes of helix association arising from sterical accommodation of iso-butyl groups at the helix-helix interface.

End-Sealed High Aspect Ratio Hollow Nanotubes Encapsulating an Anticancer Drug: Torpedo-Shaped Peptidic Nanocapsules

Nanomaterial morphology is important for the targeted delivery of drugs to tissues as well as subsequent cellular uptake. Hollow nanotubes composed of peptides, with a diameter of 80 nm and various lengths (100, 200, 300, 600 nm), were successfully capped and sealed with a peptide hemisphere to encapsulate the anticancer drug, cisplatin. The torpedo-shaped nanocapsules with an aspect ratio (length/diameter) of 2.4 showed more rapid cellular uptake and accumulation at the tumor site compared with spherical analogues. Successful delivery of cisplatin to tumors was achieved in a mouse model and tumor growth was efficiently suppressed.

Spontaneous Formation of Gating Lipid Domain in Uniform-Size Peptide Vesicles for Controlled Release

Hybrid assemblies composed of phospholipids and amphiphilic polymers have been investigated previously as a biomimetic model of biological cells. However, these studies focused on the functions of polymers in a sea of membrane lipids. Here, we prepared a highly stable peptide-lipid hybrid vesicle from a combination of an amphiphilic polypeptide and the phospholipid, 1,2-dimyristoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, with a mixing molar ratio of 1:1. The phase-separated structure of the hybrid vesicle was demonstrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis. The lipid domain of the hybrid vesicle had a phase-transition temperature of 38 °C and allowed the permeation of a hydrophilic molecule, fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled polyethylene glycol ( M_w: 2000), above 38 °C. The designed peptide-lipid hybrid vesicle and a "lipidic gate" are a promising tool for smart drug delivery.

Compartmentalized host spaces accommodating guest aromatic molecules in a chiral way in a helix-peptide-aromatic framework

A novel host molecular assembly of a free-standing flat nanosheet with compartmentalized spaces was prepared using a bolaamphiphilic peptide composed of two amphiphilic helical peptides and an oligo(naphthaleneethynylene) (ONE) unit at the center of the molecule. The nanosheet possesses void host spaces that can accommodate two mol-equivalent ONE groups to form columns of ONE groups in a right-handed helical way and ONE channels over a long distance. The present molecular system therefore can provide a chiral pore channel for relatively large molecules.

Phase-Separated Molecular Assembly of a Nanotube Composed of Amphiphilic Polypeptides Having a Helical Hydrophobic Block

Amphiphilic block polypeptides of poly(sarcosine)-b-(l- or d-Leu-Aib)₆ (SL12OMe or SD12OMe) and poly(sarcosine)-b-(l-Leu-Aib)₇ (SL14OMe) were reported to self-assemble into a nanotube morphology. Herein, we tried to construct a phase-separated nanotube by sticking two different kinds of nanotubes. SD12OMe nanotubes were found to stick to SL14OMe nanotubes with a heat treatment at 50 °C, but the sticking yield was limited. The amphiphilic polypeptides were functionalized by replacement of methyl ester with aromatic groups of N-ethylcarbazole (SL12Ecz) and naphthalimide (SD12NpiTEG), but they lost the ability to form homogeneous nanotubes. A fraction of the functionalized amphiphilic polypeptides mixing in the nanotube-forming amphiphilic polypeptides, a mixture of SL12OMe and SL12Ecz (9:1) as well as a mixture of SD12OMe and SD12NpiTEG (9:1), allowed nanotube formation. These two kinds of nanotubes partly stuck together with a heat treatment at 15 °C to maintain a segregated state of two kinds of aromatic groups along the nanotube, resulting in the formation of a phase-separated nanotube.

Immune responses against Lewis Y tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen displayed densely on self-assembling nanocarriers

Immune responses against Lewis Y (LY) displayed at varying densities on the nanocarriers were studied.

Tuning the Viscoelasticity of Peptide Vesicles by Adjusting Hydrophobic Helical Blocks Comprising Amphiphilic Polypeptides

Amphiphilic block polypeptides of poly(sarcosine)-b-(l-Val-Aib)₆ and poly(sarcosine)-b-(l-Leu-Aib)₆ and their stereoisomers were self-assembled in water. Three kinds of binary systems of poly(sarcosine)-b-(l-Leu-Aib)₆ with poly(sarcosine)-b-poly(d-Leu-Aib)₆, poly(sarcosine)-b-poly(l-Val-Aib)₆, or poly(sarcosine)-b-(d-Val-Aib)₆ generated vesicles of ca. 200 nm diameter. The viscoelasticity of the vesicle membranes was evaluated by the nanoindentation method using AFM in water. The elasticity of the poly(sarcosine)-b-(l-Leu-Aib)₆/poly(sarcosine)-b-poly(d-Leu-Aib)₆ vesicle was 11-fold higher than that of the egg yolk liposome but decreased in combinations of the Leu- and Val-based amphiphilic polypeptides. The membrane elasticity is found to be adjustable by a suitable combination of helical blocks in terms of stereocomplex formation and the interdigitation of side chains among helices in the molecular assemblies.

Polypept(o)ides: Hybrid Systems Based on Polypeptides and Polypeptoids

Polypept(o)ides combine the multifunctionality and intrinsic stimuli-responsiveness of synthetic polypeptides with the "stealth"-like properties of the polypeptoid polysarcosine (poly(N-methyl glycine)). This class of block copolymers can be synthesized by sequential ring opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxy-anhydrides (NCAs) and correspondingly of the N-substituted glycine N-carboxyanhydride (NNCA). The resulting block copolymers are characterized by Poisson-like molecular weight distributions, full end group integrity, and dispersities below 1.2. While polysarcosine may be able to tackle the currently arising issues regarding the gold standard PEG, including storage diseases in vivo and immune responses, the polypeptidic block provides the functionalities for a specific task. Additionally, polypeptides are able to form secondary structure motives, e.g., α-helix or β-sheets, which can be used to direct self-assembly in solution. In this feature article, we review the relatively new field of polypept(o)ides with respect to synthesis, characterization, and first data on the application of block copolypept(o)ides in nanomedicine. The summarized data already indicates the great potential of polypept(o)ides.

Precise control of nanoparticle surface by host–guest chemistry for delivery to tumor

A nanocarrier with a diameter less than 30 nm was prepared here by using host–guest chemistry. A defined number of functionalized guests was incorporated in the nanocarrier, which was a nice tumor imaging probe without showing the ABC phenomenon.

Mild Brønsted acid initiated controlled polymerizations of 2-oxazoline towards one-pot synthesis of novel double-hydrophilic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-block-poly(sarcosine)

Mild Brønsted acid initiator in polymerizations of 2-oxazoline was firstly reported as a workable protocol in the ROPs and BCPs.

Peptide nanotubes

The self-assembly of different classes of peptide, including cyclic peptides, amyloid peptides and surfactant-like peptides into nanotube structures is reviewed. The modes of self-assembly are discussed. Additionally, applications in bionanotechnology and synthetic materials science are summarized.

Facile and precise formation of unsymmetric vesicles using the helix dipole, stereocomplex, and steric effects of peptides

Unsymmetrical vesicular membranes were prepared from a binary mixture of the A3B-type and the AB-type host polypeptides, which were composed of the hydrophilic block (A) and the hydrophobic helical block (B) but with a different helix sense between the two host polypeptides. TEM and DLS revealed the formation of vesicles with ca. 100 nm diameter. The molecular assembly was driven by hydrophobic interaction, stereocomplex formation, and dipole-dipole interaction between hydrophobic helices. Furthermore, the A3B-type host polypeptide extended the hydrophilic block to the outer surface of vesicles as a result of the steric effect, resulting in the formation of unsymmetrical vesicular membranes. As a result, a functionalized AB-type guest polypeptide having the same helix sense with the A3B-type host polypeptide exposed the hydrophilic block to the outer surface. In contrast, an AB-type guest polypeptide having the same helix sense with the AB-type host polypeptide oriented the hydrophilic block to the inner surface. Functionalization of either the outer or inner surface of the binary vesicle is therefore facile to achieve when using either the right- or the left-handed helix of the functionalized guest polypeptide.

Morphology control between twisted ribbon, helical ribbon, and nanotube self-assemblies with his-containing helical peptides in response to pH change

pH-Responsive molecular assemblies with a variation in morphology ranging from a twisted ribbon, a helical ribbon, to a nanotube were prepared from a novel A3B-type amphiphilic peptide having three hydrophilic poly(sarcosine) (A block) chains, a hydrophobic helical dodecapeptide (B block), and two histidine (His) residues between the A3 and B blocks. The A3B-type peptide adopted morphologies of the twisted ribbon at pH 3.0, the helical ribbon at pH 5.0, and the nanotube at pH 7.4, depending upon the protonation states of the two His residues. On the other hand, another A3B-type peptide having one His residue between the A3 and B blocks showed a morphology change only between the helical ribbon and the relatively planar sheets with pH variation in this range. The morphology change is thus induced by one- or two-charge generation at the linking site of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks of the component amphiphiles but in different ways.

Size control of core-shell-type polymeric micelle with a nanometer precision

Amphiphilic polydepsipeptides having a hydrophobic poly(L-lactic acid) block and varying numbers of a hydrophilic poly(sarcosine) block ranging from 1 to 3, AB-, A2B-, and A3B-type, were prepared and studied on their molecular assemblies. The morphologies were found to be polymeric micelles for the AB- and the A3B-type polydepsipeptides, but worm-like micelles for the A2B-type polydepsipeptide. The hydrodynamic diameter of the A3B-type polydepsipeptide (22 nm) became smaller than the AB-type polydepsipeptide (34 nm). The polymeric micelle sizes composed of the AB-type polydepsipeptide were adjustable up to ca. 100 nm with incorporation of poly(L-lactic acid) into the hydrophobic core. On the other hand, with varying mixing ratio of the AB-type and A3B-type polydepsipeptides, the hydrodynamic diameters were tunable to become smaller sizes with a precise control in the range from 22 to 34 nm. The polydispersity indices of the polymeric micelles were less than 0.1, indicating that we can obtain the homogeneous polymeric micelles with diameters in the range from 20 to 100 nm under a precise control.

Thermoresponsive Poly(α-peptoid)s: Tuning the Cloud Point Temperatures by Composition and Architecture

Random copolymers based on poly(N-ethyl glycine) and poly(N-butyl glycine) have been synthesized by NHC-mediated or primary amine-initiated copolymerization of the corresponding N-substituted N-carboxyanhydride monomers (i.e., Et-NCA and Bu-NCA), respectively. The copolymers are thermally responsive and exhibit reversible phase transitions with tunable cloud point temperature (T_cp) in aqueous solution. The T_cp can be readily tuned in the temperature range 20-60 °C by controlling the copoly(α-peptoid) composition and the architecture (i.e., cyclic vs linear). The copoly(α-peptoid)s are noncytotoxic (similar to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a benchmark biocompatible polymer), suggesting their potential use in biotechnology and biomedicine.

Control of in vivo blood clearance time of polymeric micelle by stereochemistry of amphiphilic polydepsipeptides

Polymeric micelle, "Lactosome", is composed of amphiphilic polydepsipeptide with a hydrophobic block of helical poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and a hydrophilic block of poly(sarcosine). Lactosome was labeled by incorporation of poly(lactic acid) having a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) chromophore, and studied on blood clearance and tumor imaging. In vivo blood clearance time of Lactosome was prolonged with incorporation of poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA), but decreased with poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA). NIRF imaging with applying these Lactosomes to tumor-bearing mice revealed that the tumor/background intensity ratio increased with incorporation of PDLLA. Stereochemistry in the hydrophobic core of self-assemblies is thus an important factor for determining physical stability in the blood stream and consequently contrast in imaging.

Self-assemblies of triskelion A2B-type amphiphilic polypeptide showing pH-responsive morphology transformation

A pH-responsive rolled-sheet morphology was prepared from a triskelion A(2)B-type amphiphilic polypeptide having a histidine residue as a pH-responsive unit. The dimensions of the rolled sheet were 85 nm diameter and 210 nm length with a sheet turn number of 2.0 at pH 7.4. Upon decreasing the pH from 7.4 to 5.0, the layer spacing of the rolled sheets was widened from ca. 9 to ca. 19 nm due to electrostatic repulsion caused by histidine protonation. This morphology change occurred reversibly with a pH change between 7.4 and 5.0. The molecular packing in the rolled sheets was shown to be loosened at pH 5.0 on the basis of electron diffraction measurements. The tightness of the rolled sheets was thus controlled reversibly by a pH change due to a single protonation in the amphiphilic polypeptide.

Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Cyclic Diblock Copolypeptoids from N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Mediated Zwitterionic Polymerization of N-Substituted N-carboxyanhydride

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-mediated ring-opening polymerization of N-decylN-carboxylanhydride monomer (De-NCA) has been shown to occur in a controlled manner, yielding cyclic poly(N-decyl-glycine)s (c-PNDGs) with polymer molecular weights (MW) between 4.8 and 31 kg·mol(-1) and narrow molecular weight distributions (PDI < 1.15). The reaction exhibits pseudo-first order kinetics with respect to monomer concentration. The polymer MW increases linearly with conversion, consistent with a living polymerization. ESI MS and SEC analysesconfirm the cyclic architectures of the forming polymers. DSC and WAXS studies reveal that the c-PNDG homopolymers are highly crystalline with two prominent first order transitions at 72-79°C (T(m,1)) and 166-177°C (T(m,2)), which have been attributed to the side chain and main chain melting respectively. A series of amphiphilic cyclic diblock copolypeptoids [i.e.,poly(N-methyl-glycine)-b-poly(N-decyl-glycine) (c-PNMG-b-PNDG)] with variable molecular weight and composition was synthesized by sequential NHC-mediated polymerization of the corresponding N-methyl N-carboxyanhydride (Me-NCA) and De-NCA monomers. (1)H NMR analysis reveals that adjusting the initial monomer to NHC molar ratio can readily control the block copolymer chain length and composition. Time-lapsed light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) analysis of c-PNDG-b-PNMG samples revealed that the amphiphilic cyclic block copolypeptoids self-assemble into spherical micelles that reorganize into micron-long cylindrical micelles with uniform diameter in room temperature methanol over the course of several days. An identical morphological transition has also been noted for the linear analogs, which occurs more rapidly than for the cyclic copolypeptoids. We tentatively attribute this difference to the different crystallization kinetics of the solvophobic block (i.e., PNDG) in the cyclic and linear block copolypeptoids.

Temperature-triggered fusion of vesicles composed of right-handed and left-handed amphiphilic helical peptides

Vesicles prepared from a mixture of (Sar)(25)-b-(L-Leu-Aib)(6) (SLL) and (Sar)(25)-b-(D-Leu-Aib)(6) (SDL) fused with themselves upon heating to 90 °C. The vesicles also fused with (Sar)(28)-b-(L-Leu-Aib)(8) vesicles upon heating to 90 °C. The temperature-triggered fusion was due to the phase transition of the mixed membrane of SLL and SDL at 90 °C and should be driven by the bending energy stored in the stereocomplex membrane upon taking a vesicular structure.