Folding induced supramolecular assembly into pH-responsive nanorods with a protein repellent shell

Abstract

We report the synthesis of ABA′ triblock peptide–polysarcosine–peptide conjugates featuring two complementary phenylalanine–histidine pentapeptide strands A/A′. These sequences encode for antiparallel β-sheet formation into folded conjugates, which promote the self-assembly into polysarcosine-shielded core–shell nanorods. These do not cause aggregation of serum proteins in human blood plasma underlining an enhanced stability.