Molecular dynamics studies of protein-fragment models encapsulated into carbon nanotubes

In this work, we have explored dynamic properties of two protein-fragment models interacting with single-walled carbon nanotubes using molecular dynamics. We have considered peptides interacting with the outer walls of nanotubes encapsulated into nanotubes, as well as covalently bound to nanotubes. The results suggest that the confined space of the nanotube and its interactions with peptides stabilizes the structure of biomacromolecules. On the other hand, covalent linking of peptides to nanotubes may lead to a change in the peptide conformation. The general conclusions derived from this work may be of importance in devising nanotube systems for peptide and drug delivery. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.