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Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Blockcopolypeptides

English title Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Blockcopolypeptides
Applicant Meier Wolfgang
Number 107426
Funding scheme Project funding
Research institution Physikalische Chemie Departement Chemie Universität Basel
Institution of higher education University of Basel - BS
Main discipline Organic Chemistry
Start/End 01.04.2005 - 31.03.2007
Approved amount 129'019.00
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Keywords (9)

AMPHIPHILES; BLOCK COPOLYPEPTIDES; SELF-ASSEMBLY; MESOPHASES; SOFT MATTER; PROTEIN ENGINEERING; Iamphiphiles; soft; matter

Lay Summary (English)

Lead
Lay summary
In this project we will use the biosynthetic pathways of microorganisms tosynthesize new amphiphilic block copolypeptides. These ‚polymers’ aredesigned to self-assemble in aqueous media to micellar, vesicular, tubularaggregates and lyotropic mesophases. The virtually complete control overthe sequence of the monomeric units allows introduction of secondaryinteractions that can be used to influence the self-assembly of thesystems. We regard these block copolypeptides as ideal model systems todevelop a deeper understanding of how self-organization, the resultingstructures and interfacial patterns are controlled by the (molecular)architecture of the building blocks. We expect to obtain functional,environmentally responsive materials that could provide new interphasesbetween synthetic and living matter. As a result of the non-covalentinteractions responsible for their formation the materials possess a highlevel of flexibility and adaptability that might lead to properties likeself-healing and self-repair. In this project we plan a basiccharacterization of a series of model block copolypeptides that provides asolid platform for future applications of these new functional andresponsive materials. In this context we focus on the influence of blocklength and secondary structure of the block copolypeptides on structureand dynamics of the resulting self-organized systems in diluted andconcentrated aqueous solution and at surfaces. Effects of temperature andpH can be used to induce transitions in the secondary structure of thebasic peptide blocks that are expected to significantly influence thestructure and dynamics of the self-assembled superstructures. The effectson micellar aggregates in dilute solution, on lyotropic mesophases athigher concentrations and on surface-immobilized peptide monolayers willbe followed using a wide range of complementary characterizationtechniques.
Direct link to Lay Summary Last update: 21.02.2013

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Associated projects

Number Title Start Funding scheme
115876 Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Peptides 01.04.2007 Project funding

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