Programmable two-dimensional nanocrystals assembled from POSS-containing peptoids as efficient artificial light-harvesting systems

Inspired by the formation of hierarchically structured natural biominerals (e.g., bone and tooth), various sequence-defined polymers have been synthesized and exploited for design and synthesis of functional hybrid materials. Here, we synthesized a series of organic-inorganic hybrid peptoids by using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoclusters as side chains at a variety of backbone locations. We further demonstrated the use of these hybrid peptoids as sequence-defined building blocks to assemble a new class of programmable two-dimensional (2D) nanocrystals. They are highly stable and exhibit an enhanced mechanical property and electron scattering due to the incorporated POSS nanoclusters. By varying peptoid side-chain chemistry, we further demonstrated the precise displacement of a large variety of function groups within these 2D nanocrystals and developed a highly efficient aqueous light-harvesting system for live cell imaging. Because these 2D nanocrystals are biocompatible and highly programmable, we expect that they offer unique opportunities for applications.

Automated summary

Inspired by naturally occurring hierarchically structured biominerals, researchers have successfully synthesized a series of organic-inorganic hybrid peptoids, and utilized them to construct programmable two-dimensional nanocrystals, demonstrating their high stability and enhanced performance. By varying the chemistry of peptoid side chains, precise displacement of various functional groups within the 2D nanocrystals has been achieved, leading to the development of a highly efficient aqueous light-harvesting system for live cell imaging. These biocompatible and highly programmable 2D nanocrystals offer unique opportunities for applications in diverse fields.