Abstract
Low molecular weight gelators that are not easily degraded by enzymes have a range of potential applications. Here, we report new Fmoc-protected dipeptides in which the amide carbonyl group has been replaced by an oxetane ring. Remarkably one of these peptidomimetics, but not the corresponding dipeptide, is an effective gelator, forming hydrogels at a concentration of 3 mg mL-1. On assembly, there is a lack of beta-sheet structure, implying that there is no requirement for this motif in such a gel. Furthermore, the modified dipeptide is also stable to proteolysis compared to the parent dipeptide.
Highlights
Low molecular weight gelators that are not degraded by enzymes have a range of potential applications
We report new Fmoc-protected dipeptides in which the amide carbonyl group has been replaced by an oxetane ring
The modified dipeptide is stable to proteolysis compared to the parent dipeptide
Summary
Low molecular weight gelators that are not degraded by enzymes have a range of potential applications. Amino acid or dipeptide-based gelators have become common.[3,4] These can be highly effective gelators of water, and there is a large library of these molecules that can form gels using a range of gelation methods.
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