Photo-assembling cyclic peptides for dynamic light-driven peptide nanotubes

Cyclic peptides containing a 0-unsaturated amino acid are programmed to switch between monomeric form and self-assembled peptide nanotube structures upon light irradiation. The process is triggered by the reversible E -Z isomerization of the unsaturated 0-amino acid that forces the peptide to swap from the folded (unassembled) to the flat conformation (assembled). The process is also tuned by the pH media, which provides a double checkpoint control in the molecular assembly of the peptide nanotubes. The light driven assembly process can be triggered in a confined environment, and the resulting nanotubes allow the inter-vesicle communication, providing droplets with self-fusiogenic properties.

Automated summary

Cyclic peptides containing a 0-unsaturated amino acid can switch between monomeric form and self-assembled peptide nanotube structures upon light irradiation. This process is controlled by reversible E-Z isomerization of the unsaturated 0-amino acid and is also influenced by pH. The light-driven assembly process can be induced in a confined environment and the resulting nanotubes have self-fusiogenic properties.