Supramolecular fibrillation of peptide amphiphiles induces environmental responses in aqueous droplets

Richard Booth, Ignacio Insua, Sahnawaz Ahmed, Alicia Rioboo and Javier Montenegro ()
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Richard Booth: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Ignacio Insua: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Sahnawaz Ahmed: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Alicia Rioboo: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Javier Montenegro: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract One-dimensional (1D) supramolecular polymers are commonly found in natural and synthetic systems to prompt functional responses that capitalise on hierarchical molecular ordering. Despite amphiphilic self-assembly being significantly studied in the context of aqueous encapsulation and autopoiesis, very little is currently known about the physico-chemical consequences and functional role of 1D supramolecular polymerisation confined in aqueous compartments. Here, we describe the different phenomena that resulted from the chemically triggered supramolecular fibrillation of synthetic peptide amphiphiles inside water microdroplets. The confined connection of suitable dormant precursors triggered a physically autocatalysed chemical reaction that resulted in functional environmental responses such as molecular uptake, fusion and chemical exchange. These results demonstrate the potential of minimalistic 1D supramolecular polymerisation to modulate the behaviour of individual aqueous entities with their environment and within communities.

Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-26681-2

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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26681-2

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