Asymmetric Michael addition catalysed by copper–amyloid complexes

Abstract

We developed self-assembled peptides containing a partial amyloid β protein sequence and a metal-coordination site. The amyloid fibril–copper complexes exhibited excellent reactivity and moderate enantioselectivity in Michael addition reactions with 2-azachalcone and dimethylmalonate. The catalytic amyloids were characterized using various measurements to confirm their amyloid-like nanofibre structures.