Self-Assembling Ionic Oligopeptides
Abstract
Understanding new materials at the molecular level has become increasingly critical for a new generation of nanomaterials for nanotechnology, namely, the design, synthesis and fabrication of nano-devices at the molecular scale. New technology through molecular self-assembly as a fabrication tool will become tremendously important in coming decades. Basic engineering principles for microfabrication can be learned by understanding molecular self-assembly phenomena. Self-assembly phenomenon is ubiquitous in nature. The key elements in molecular self-assembly are chemical complementarity and structural compatibility through non-covalent interactions. We have defined the path to understand these principles. Numerous self-assembling systems have been developed ranging from models to study protein folding and protein conformational diseases, to molecular electronics, surface engineering, and nanotechnology. Several distinctive types of self-assembling peptide systems have been developed. Type I, 'molecular Lego' forms a hydrogel scaffold for tissue engineering; Type II, the 'molecular switch' as a molecular actuator; Type III, the 'molecular hook' and 'molecular Velcro' for surface engineering; Type IV, 'molecular capsule' for protein and gene deliveries; and Type V, 'molecular cavity' for biomineralization. These self-assembling peptide systems are simple, versatile and easy to produce, representing a significant advance in molecular engineering for diverse technological innovations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391182
Entities
People
- Alexander Rich
- Shuguang Zhang
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology