Peptide nanomaterials via self-assembly.
We have proposed a new molecular architecture for self-assembled hydrogels of aromatic short peptide derivatives, forming nanoscale fibres, hollow tubes or sheets, depending on the amino acid sequence.
In this approach, molecular self-assembly provides a thermodynamic driving force that enables a protease to produce building blocks in a reversible and spatially confined manner.
Enzyme-responsive materials (ERMs) are a new class of smart materials that undergo macroscopic transitions when triggered by selective catalytic actions of enzymes with applications in diagnostics and controlled release.
This area relates to the design of active and dynamic interfaces between biomolecules and synthetic functional materials.