Poly(L-lysine) and Clay Nanocomposite with Desired Matrix Secondary Structure: Effects of Polypeptide Molecular Weight
Nanocomposites (NC) were formed using cationic poly(L-lysine) (PLL), a semicrystalline polypeptide, that was reinforced by sodium montmorillonite (MMT) clay via solution intercalation technique. By varying solution conditions such as pH, temperature, and polypeptide concentration in the presence of clay platelets, the secondary structure of PLL was controllably altered into {alpha}-helical, {beta}-sheet, and random coil. The high molecular weight polypeptide shows a strong propensity to fold into the {beta}-sheet structure when cast as films, irrespective of the initial secondary structure in solution. Nanocomposite local morphology confirms intercalated MMT platelets with PLL over a wide range of compositions.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Doe - Office Of Science
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 930416
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-81148-2008-JA; JPBPEM; TRN: US200904%%537
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, Vol. 45, Issue 3; ISSN 0887-6266
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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