We report the synthesis of ABA' triblock peptide-polysarcosine-peptide conjugates featuring two complementary phenylalanine-histidine pentapeptide strands A/A'. These sequences encode for... Show moreWe report the synthesis of ABA' triblock peptide-polysarcosine-peptide conjugates featuring two complementary phenylalanine-histidine pentapeptide strands A/A'. These sequences encode for antiparallel beta-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. Show less
Ahlers, P.; Frisch, H.; Holm, R.; Spitzer, D.; Barz, M.; Besenius, P. 2017
The preparation of histidine enriched dendritic peptide amphiphiles and their self-assembly into multicomponent pH-switchable supramolecular polymers is reported. Alternating histidine and... Show moreThe preparation of histidine enriched dendritic peptide amphiphiles and their self-assembly into multicomponent pH-switchable supramolecular polymers is reported. Alternating histidine and phenylalanine peptide synthons allow the assembly/disassembly to be adjusted in a physiologically relevant range of pH 5.3-6.0. Coassembly of monomers equipped with dendritic tetraethylene glycol chains with monomers bearing peripheral primary amine groups leads to nanorods with a tunable cationic surface charge density. These surface functional supramolecular polycations are able to reversibly bind short interfering RNA (siRNA). The nanorod-like supramolecular polymers, their complexation with siRNA, and the pH-triggered assembly/disassembly of the supramolecular carriers are characterized via circular dichroism spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, as well as transmission electron microscopy. Multicomponent supramolecular polymers represent a modular and promising strategy for applications as responsive carrier vehicles, codelivery strategies, and gene therapy. Show less
