Soft hydrogels from nanotubes of poly(ethylene oxide)−tetraphenylalanine conjugates prepared by click chemistry

N. Tzokova, C.M. Fernyhough, Paul D. Topham, N. Sandon, S.P. Armes, A.J. Ryan, D.J. Adams, M.F. Butler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A new poly(ethylene oxide)-tetraphenylalanine polymer-peptide conjugate has been prepared via a “click” reaction between an alkyne-modified peptide and an azide-terminated PEO oligomer. Self-assembled nanotubes are formed after dialysis of a THF solution of this polymer-peptide conjugate against water. The structure of these nanotubes has been probed by circular dichroism, IR, TEM, and SAXS. From these data, it is apparent that self-assembly involves the formation of antiparallel ß-sheets and p-p-stacking. Nanotubes are formed at concentrations between 2 and 10 mg mL-1. Entanglement between adjacent nanotubes occurs at higher concentrations, resulting in the formation of soft hydrogels. Gel strength increases at higher polymer-peptide conjugate concentration, as expected.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2479-2485
Number of pages7
JournalLangmuir
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jan 2009

Keywords

  • chemistry
  • click chemistry
  • nanotubes

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