Peptide nanotube nematic phase

Langmuir. 2009 Apr 21;25(8):4262-5. doi: 10.1021/la804175h.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Microscopy / methods
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Models, Statistical
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Salts / chemistry
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Surface Properties
  • Trifluoroacetic Acid / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Salts
  • Water
  • Trifluoroacetic Acid