Abstract
A functionalized small-molecule dipeptide capable of structural adaptation is used to prepare coacervatebased protocells that exhibit a pH-triggered process of self-transformation and structural reconfiguration. Polymer-dipeptide coacervate micro-droplets are prepared at pH 8.5 from aqueous mixtures of
poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and deprotonated N-(fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl)-D-Ala-D-Ala, and transform into discrete aster-like micro-architectures by controlled lowering of the pH to 4.5. Reconfiguration of the micro-droplets results in entanglement and formation of an interpenetrating
fibrous network that subsequently develops into a polymer-containing dipeptide hydrogel. Our results provide a step towards the assembly of synthetic protocells exhibiting rudimentary aspects of metamorphosis, and should offer a new approach to the design and construction of soft reconfigurable chemical micro-ensembles.
poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and deprotonated N-(fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl)-D-Ala-D-Ala, and transform into discrete aster-like micro-architectures by controlled lowering of the pH to 4.5. Reconfiguration of the micro-droplets results in entanglement and formation of an interpenetrating
fibrous network that subsequently develops into a polymer-containing dipeptide hydrogel. Our results provide a step towards the assembly of synthetic protocells exhibiting rudimentary aspects of metamorphosis, and should offer a new approach to the design and construction of soft reconfigurable chemical micro-ensembles.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 5879-5887 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Chemical Science |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 9 |
Early online date | 25 May 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2016 |
Keywords
- Coacervate droplets
- Protocells
- Self-assembled fibers
- Hydrogels
- Soft-Matter
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Self-transformation and structural reconfiguration in coacervate-based protocells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Equipment
-
Wolfson Bioimaging Facility
Mark Jepson (Manager)
Faculty of Life SciencesFacility/equipment: Facility