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Surfactant-induced assembly of enzymatically-stable peptide hydrogels

Journal Article · · Soft Matter
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/c5sm00522a· OSTI ID:1225872
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

The secondary structure of peptides in the presence of interacting additives is an important topic of study, having implications in the application of peptide science to a broad range of modern technologies. Surfactants constitute a class of biologically relevant compounds that are known to influence both peptide conformation and aggregation or assembly. In addition, we have characterized the secondary structure of a linear nonapeptide composed of a hydrophobic alanine/phenylalanine core flanked by hydrophilic acid/amine units. We show that the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) induces the formation of β-sheets and macroscopic gelation in this otherwise unstructured peptide. Through comparison to related additives, we propose that SDS-induced secondary structure formation is the result of amphiphilicity created by electrostatic binding of SDS to the peptide. In addition, we demonstrate a novel utility of surfactants in manipulating and stabilizing peptide nanostructures. SDS is used to simultaneously induce secondary structure in a peptide and to inhibit the activity of a model enzyme, resulting in a peptide hydrogel that is impervious to enzymatic degradation. These results complement our understanding of the behavior of peptides in the presence of interacting secondary molecules and provide new potential pathways for programmable organization of peptides by the addition of such components.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1225872
Report Number(s):
SAND--2015-1078J; 567017
Journal Information:
Soft Matter, Journal Name: Soft Matter Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 11; ISSN SMOABF; ISSN 1744-683X
Publisher:
Royal Society of ChemistryCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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