Nucleobase peptide amphiphiles

Abstract

A new class of peptide materials is introduced, integrating orthogonal aspects of peptide, nucleoside, and amphiphile chemistry. In solution, species such as rod-like or helical micelles are formed, which can lead to nanoribbons under lateral or longitudinal hierarchical growth regimes. Gelation of a wide range of solvents can be induced, including water and aqueous buffer, providing new avenues for nucleobase-specific electrophoresis, oligonucleotide delivery and bioactive cell growth media.