Diameter-selective solubilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes by reversible cyclic peptides

We have utilized reversible cyclic peptides (RCPs)-peptides containing alternating L- and D-amino acids with N- and C-termini derivatized with thiol-containing groups allowing reversible peptide cyclization - to solubilize and noncovalently functionalize carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) in aqueous solution. Solubilization occurs through wrapping of RCPs around the circumference of a SWNT, followed by the formation of head-to-tail covalent bonds, yielding closed rings on the nanotubes. By controlling the length of the RCPs, we have demonstrated limited diameter-selective solubilization of the SWNTs as revealed by UV/vis/NIR and Raman spectroscopies, as well as atomic force microscopy.