Self-assembling peptides bearing organic electronic functionality and applications employing the same

Abstract

The aqueous self-assembly of oligopeptide-flanked π-conjugated molecules into discrete one-dimensional nanostructures is described. Unique to these molecules is the fact that the π-conjugated unit has been directly embedded within the peptide backbone by way of a synthetic amino acid with π-functionality that is compatible with standard Fmoc-based peptide synthesis or by way of a diacid or other bis(electrophile) that can covalently cross-link peptide chains presented on a synthesis support. The peptide-based molecular designs enforce intimate π-π communication within the aggregates after charge-screening and self-assembly, making these nanostructures attractive for optical or electronic applications in biological environments. In other embodiments, a convenient method to incorporate π-electron units into peptides that assemble into amyloid-like supramolecular polymers is disclosed. Self-assembly manipulates these 'electronic peptides' into delocalized sub-10 nm one dimensional (1-D) nanostructures under completely aqueous conditions.