Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Two-step kinetic model of the self-assembly mechanism for diphenylalanine micro/nanotube formation

Full text
Author(s):
Ishikawa, M. S. [1, 2] ; Busch, C. [2] ; Motzkus, M. [2] ; Martinho, H. [1] ; Buckup, T. [2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Ciencias Nat & Humanas, Ave Estados 5001, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil
[2] Ruprecht Karls Univ Heidelberg, Phys Chem Inst, Neuenheimer Feld 229, D-69120 Heidelberg - Germany
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics; v. 19, n. 47, p. 31647-31654, DEC 21 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

Peptide nanostructures compose a new class of materials that have gained attention due to their interesting properties. Among them, nanotubes of diphenylalanine (FF) and its analogues have been one of the most studied structures in the last few years. Their importance originates from the need to better understand the formation of beta-amyloid fibrils which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. In this work, the FF self-assembly process was probed using time-resolved Raman microscopy. The changes in the Raman spectra are followed over time after injecting water into a FF-film until micro/nanotubes (MNTs) are formed. Specific features of the Raman spectra clearly suggest that FF-molecules after water injection form an intermediate species before forming FF-MNTs. The broad Raman bands observed for the intermediate species suggest the presence of very heterogeneous structures based on FF. The FF-MNTs appear almost instantaneously (detected via the rise of the typical Raman bands of FF-MNTs at 761, 1249 and 1426 cm(-1)) after the intermediate structures are formed. This delayed formation of FF-MNTs supports a nucleation process. The formation via nucleation of FF-MNTs is further corroborated by a simulation of the Raman spectra based on a 2-step kinetic model and the respective vibrational Raman modes are identified using Density Functional Theory vibrational calculations. Our results indicate that the driving force for the FF-MNT patterning process is the electric dipole re-orientation originating from the FF dipeptide unit connectivity over time. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/19924-2 - Study and development of advanced novel materials: electronic, magnetic and nanostructured: an interdisciplinary approach
Grantee:Carlos Rettori
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants