Designable and dynamic single-walled stiff nanotubes assembled from sequence-defined peptoids

Nat Commun. 2018 Jan 18;9(1):270. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-02059-1.

Abstract

Despite recent advances in the assembly of organic nanotubes, conferral of sequence-defined engineering and dynamic response characteristics to the tubules remains a challenge. Here we report a new family of highly designable and dynamic nanotubes assembled from sequence-defined peptoids through a unique "rolling-up and closure of nanosheet" mechanism. During the assembly process, amorphous spherical particles of amphiphilic peptoid oligomers crystallize to form well-defined nanosheets before folding to form single-walled nanotubes. These nanotubes undergo a pH-triggered, reversible contraction-expansion motion. By varying the number of hydrophobic residues of peptoids, we demonstrate tuning of nanotube wall thickness, diameter, and mechanical properties. Atomic force microscopy-based mechanical measurements show peptoid nanotubes are highly stiff (Young's Modulus ~13-17 GPa). We further demonstrate the precise incorporation of functional groups within nanotubes and their applications in water decontamination and cellular adhesion and uptake. These nanotubes provide a robust platform for developing biomimetic materials tailored to specific applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes / ultrastructure
  • Peptidomimetics / chemistry
  • Peptoids / chemistry*
  • Protein Folding*
  • Protein Multimerization*
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Peptidomimetics
  • Peptoids
  • Water