An investigation of the conductivity of peptide nanotube networks prepared by enzyme-triggered self-assembly

Nanoscale. 2010 Jun;2(6):960-6. doi: 10.1039/b9nr00233b. Epub 2010 Apr 6.

Abstract

We demonstrate that nanotubular networks formed by enzyme-triggered self-assembly of Fmoc-L3 (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-tri-leucine) show significant charge transport. FT-IR, fluorescence spectroscopy and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) data confirm formation of beta-sheets that are locked together viapi-stacking interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the pi-pi stacking distance between fluorenyl groups to be 3.6-3.8 A. Impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the nanotubular xerogel networks possess minimum sheet resistances of 0.1 MOmega/sq in air and 500 MOmega/sq in vacuum (pressure: 1.03 mbar) at room temperature, with the conductivity scaling linearly with the mass of peptide in the network. These materials may provide a platform to interface biological components with electronics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electric Conductivity*
  • Fluorenes / chemistry
  • Leucine / chemistry*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes / ultrastructure
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Temperature
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl
  • Fluorenes
  • Leucine