Nanotubular self-organization of amide dendrons with focal β-sheet forming peptide units

Abstract

To develop rational design principles for a self-organized structure using dendron–peptide conjugates, a β-sheet forming short peptide (VVLL) was introduced to the focal point of a second-generation amide dendron (2G-VVLL) and its self-organization characteristics were investigated. 2G-VVLL self-organized into a nanotubular structure in the aqueous phase. The twisted β-sheet structure of the focal peptide unit was essential for the construction of the nanotubular structure. The design principle could be applied to another dendron–peptide conjugate (2G-AAVV). These findings are expected to assist in the construction of novel precisely controlled nanoarchitectures using amide dendrons with focal peptide units.