Nicola T. Whilton, Paula J. Vickers and Stephen Mann
Negatively charged amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid) and a related polymer, poly(α,β-aspartate), have been intercalated within the gallery spaces of layered double hydroxides. Synthesis of these bioinorganic nanocomposites was achieved via co-precipitation involving simultaneous formation of the inorganic layers and intercalation of the anionic species. In situ thermal polymerization of pre-intercalated aspartate monomers affords a second route to the poly(α,β-aspartate)-containing hybrid material.