Molecular Self-Assembly of Synthetic Peptides: Structure and Function

Jana, Poulami (2012) Molecular Self-Assembly of Synthetic Peptides: Structure and Function. PhD thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

PDF (PhD Thesis of Poulami Jana) Poulami-Jana-PhD-Thesis.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (7MB)

Abstract

Self-assembling peptides can give rise to a variety of supramolecular architectures like supramolecular helix, supramolecular -sheets and others, which have potential importance in biological as well as material sciences. Previous studies suggested that self-assembles peptide β-sheet structures and helices have a role in highly ordered self aggregated fibril formation in amyloid disease like neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheime’ disease, Perkinson’s disease and Prion-related encephalopathies and others. So, the study of molecular selfassembly of synthetic peptides is highly important. Self-assembling peptides are one of the most attractive and useful building blocks in making various nanostructures including nanotubes, nanorods, nanovesicles, nanobelts, nanofibers and others because of their chemical diversity, biocompatibility, biodegradability and foldability into specific structures. These nanostructures are depending on the sequence and environmental responses. These peptide based building blocks can be self-assembled in various solvent using various noncovalent interactions including hydrogen bonds, π-π stacking interactions, electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic interactions to form a specific type of nanostructure depending on suitable conditions. The main aim of this thesis is (1) to study the self-assembly of short peptide into different supramolecualr architecture like porous nanostructure, double helical architecture, fiber morphology through noncavalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding interaction, hydrophobic interaction, π-π stacking interaction, (2) to design pseudo peptide with different side chain and study their structural heterogeneity and (3) exploring the material properties of the peptides. Selective recognition of biomolecule is highly important in recent research. The results summarized in this thesis established that self-assembling acyclic short peptides with coded and noncoded amino acids form different supramolecular structures like supramolecular double helices or porous or fiber like structure through various noncovalent interactions including intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction. Another interesting result of this thesis includes the formation of glassy material from a tripodal peptide, and the glass can be cast in any shape and size to fabricate optical device and colored with organic dyes. Three novel observations of this thesis are: (1) the peptide based in situ reducing agent for metal nanoperticle synthesis; (2) light induced charge transfer complex formation with a electron rich peptide; (3) the organic glass from a tripodal peptide.

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