Peptide–dendron hybrids that adopt sequence-encoded β-sheet conformations

Abstract

Rational design rules for programming hierarchical organization and function through mutations of monomers in sequence-defined polymers can accelerate the development of novel polymeric and supramolecular materials. Our strategy for designing peptide–dendron hybrids that adopt predictable secondary and quaternary structures in bulk is based on patterning the sites at which dendrons are conjugated to short peptides. To validate this approach, we have designed and characterized a series of β-sheet-forming peptide–dendron hybrids. Spectroscopic studies of the hybrids in films reveal that the peptide portion of the hybrids adopts the intended secondary structure.