High-performance nanomaterials formed by rigid yet extensible cyclic β-peptide polymers

Kenan P. Fears (), Manoj K. Kolel-Veetil (), Daniel E. Barlow, Noam Bernstein, Christopher R. So, Kathryn J. Wahl, Xianfeng Li, John L. Kulp, Robert A. Latour and Thomas D. Clark
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Kenan P. Fears: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Manoj K. Kolel-Veetil: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Daniel E. Barlow: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Noam Bernstein: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Christopher R. So: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Kathryn J. Wahl: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Xianfeng Li: Clemson University
John L. Kulp: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Robert A. Latour: Clemson University
Thomas D. Clark: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Organisms have evolved biomaterials with an extraordinary convergence of high mechanical strength, toughness, and elasticity. In contrast, synthetic materials excel in stiffness or extensibility, and a combination of the two is necessary to exceed the performance of natural biomaterials. We bridge this materials property gap through the side-chain-to-side-chain polymerization of cyclic β-peptide rings. Due to their strong dipole moments, the rings self-assemble into rigid nanorods, stabilized by hydrogen bonds. Displayed amines serve as functionalization sites, or, if protonated, force the polymer to adopt an unfolded conformation. This molecular design enhances the processability and extensibility of the biopolymer. Molecular dynamics simulations predict stick-slip deformations dissipate energy at large strains, thereby, yielding toughness values greater than natural silks. Moreover, the synthesis route can be adapted to alter the dimensions and displayed chemistries of nanomaterials with mechanical properties that rival nature.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06576-5

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