Quadruple helix formation of a photoresponsive peptide amphiphile and its light-triggered dissociation into single fibers

Using a peptide amphiphile having a bulky photolabile 2-nitrobenzyl group between the alkyl chain and the peptide segment, we demonstrated quadruple helical fiber formation and its dissociation into single fibrils in response to light. Putting the bulky group close to the core of a fibril is thought to induce a distortion of the alignment of molecules, which can in turn lead to quadruple helices. Photoirradiation to cleave the bulky group transforms the helices into single fibrils.