Journal Article

FZJ-2014-05401

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Noncanonical Self-Assembly of Highly Asymmetric Genetically Encoded Polypeptide Amphiphiles into Cylindrical Micelles

McDaniel, J. R. (Corresponding Author) ; Weitzhandler, I. ; Prevost, S. ; Vargo, K. B. ; Appavou, M.-S.FZJ* ; Hammer, D. A. ; Gradzielski, M. ; Chilkoti, A.

2014
ACS Publ. Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/nl503221p

Abstract: Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are a class of biopolymers consisting of the pentameric repeat (VPGαG)n based on the sequence of mammalian tropoelastin that display a thermally induced soluble-to-insoluble phase transition in aqueous solution. We have discovered a remarkably simple approach to driving the spontaneous self-assembly of high molecular weight ELPs into nanostructures by genetically fusing a short 1.5 kDa (XGy)z assembly domain to one end of the ELP. Classical theories of self-assembly based on the geometric mass balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic block copolymers suggest that these highly asymmetric polypeptides should form spherical micelles. Surprisingly, when sufficiently hydrophobic amino acids (X) are presented in a periodic sequence such as (FGG)8 or (YG)8, these highly asymmetric polypeptides self-assemble into cylindrical micelles whose length can be tuned by the sequence of the morphogenic tag. These nanostructures were characterized by light scattering, tunable resistive pulse sensing, fluorescence spectrophotometry, and thermal turbidimetry, as well as by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). These short assembly domains provide a facile strategy to control the size, shape, and stability of stimuli responsive polypeptide nanostructures.

Keyword(s): Polymers, Soft Nano Particles and Proteins (1st) ; Key Technologies (1st) ; Soft Matter, Macromolecules, Complex fluids, Biophysics (1st) ; Biology (2nd) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS (München) ; Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS (München) ; JCNS-FRM-II)

Research Program(s):

1. 54G - JCNS (POF2-54G24) (POF2-54G24)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-3: Very small angle scattering diffractometer with focusing mirror (NL3auS)
2. KWS-1: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3b)
3. KWS-2: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3ao)

Appears in the scientific report 2014

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Database coverage:
; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; IF >= 10 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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