Abstract
In this study, nano- and microscale fibrillar and tubular structures formed by mixing two aromatic peptides known to self-assemble separately, (diphenylalanine and di-D-2-napthylalanine) have been investigated. The morphology, mechanical strength and thermal stability of the tubular structures formed have been studied. The tubes are shown to consist of both peptides with some degree of nanoscale phase separation. The ability of the mixed peptides to form structures, which display variable mechanical properties dependent on the percentage composition of the peptides is presented. Such materials with tuneable properties will be required for a range of applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Highlights
Self-assembling peptides are a valuable asset within the material and life sciences with the ability to assemble into well-ordered nanostructured biomaterials, which can be chemically or biologically functionalized, and display a range of physical properties
The structures formed by diphenylalanine peptides (FF) are multiwalled, rigid tubes with long persistence lengths and considerable mechanical strength (19 GPa), displaying diameters of 500– 2000 nm and lengths in the 10’s of micrometre scale (Reches & Gazit 2003; Song et al, 2004; Kol et al, 2005)
Aliquots of the peptide solutions were dried onto freshly cleaved muscovite mica substrates in preparation for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, mechanical mapping and thermal stability assessment
Summary
Nano- and microscale fibrillar and tubular structures formed by mixing two aromatic peptides known to self-assemble separately, (diphenylalanine and di-D-2napthylalanine) have been investigated. The morphology, mechanical strength and thermal stability of the tubular structures formed have been studied. The tubes are shown to consist of both peptides with some degree of nanoscale phase separation. The ability of the mixed peptides to form structures, which display variable mechanical properties dependent on the percentage composition of the peptides is presented. Such materials with tuneable properties will be required for a range of applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
