Sequence-complementarity dependent co-assembly of phosphodiester-linked aromatic donor-acceptor trimers.

We have created sequenced phosphoester-linked trimers of aromatic donor/acceptors which participate in charge-transfer interactions. Each sequence displays characteristic self-assembly, and complementary sequences interact with each other to produce new nanostructures and thermochromism. This paves the way towards new functional nanomaterials which make bio-analogous use of sequence to tune structure.

Tuning dynamic DNA- and peptide-driven self-assembly in DNA-peptide conjugates.

DNA-peptide conjugates offer an opportunity to marry the benefits of both biomolecular classes, combining the high level of programmability found with DNA, with the chemical diversity of peptides. These hybrid systems offer potential in fields such as therapeutics, nanotechnology, and robotics. Using the first DNA-ß-turn peptide conjugate, we present three studies investigating the self-assembly of DNA-peptide conjugates over a period of 28 days. Time-course studies, such as these have not been previously conducted for DNA-peptide conjugates, although they are common in pure peptide assembly, for example in amyloid research. By using aging studies to assess the structures produced, we gain insights into the dynamic nature of these systems. The first study explores the influence varying amounts of DNA-peptide conjugates have on the self-assembly of our parent peptide. Study 2 explores how DNA and peptide can work together to change the structures observed during aging. Study 3 investigates the presence of orthogonality within our system by switching the DNA and peptide control on and off independently. These results show that two orthogonal self-assemblies can be combined and operated independently or in tandem within a single macromolecule, with both spatial and temporal effects upon the resultant nanostructures.

One-pot synthesis of alternating peptides exploiting a new polymerization technique based on Ugi's 4CC reaction.

We developed a one-pot synthetic technique for alternating peptides. Central to this technique is a new, catalyst-free polymerization based on Ugi's 4CC reaction. The treatment of imines with the ambident molecules bearing both an isocyanide and a carboxylic acid afforded alternating peptides.

Chiral Polyurethane Synthesis Leading to π-Stacked 2/1-Helical Polymer and Cyclic Compounds.

(R)-1,1'-Bi(2-naphthol) was reacted with 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate leading to a mixture of linear polyurethane and cyclic compounds including a cyclic dimer and a cyclic trimer. The structure of the cyclic dimer was elucidated by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The polymer was proposed to possess a rather stiff, π-stacked, 2/1-helical conformation on the basis of NMR, CD, and UV spectra and molecular dynamics simulations. The conformation was stable in the range of temperature of 0-60 °C.