Metal array fabrication based on ultrasound-induced self-assembly of metalated dipeptides

Pd- and Pt-bound bis-metalated peptides were synthesised by the condensation of Pd- or Pt-aldimine-complex-bound glutamic acids to afford the four possible metal isomers of bis-Pd and bis-Pt-homometalated dipeptides and PdPt- and PtPd-heterometalated dipeptides without metal disproportionation. Ultrasound-induced self-assembly of these bis-metalated peptides proceeded effectively to afford supra-molecular gels that displayed well-ordered metal arrays. The formation of parallel beta-sheet type aggregates through interpeptide amide-amide hydrogen bonding was confirmed by IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and synchrotron X-ray diffraction analyses (WAXS and SAXS). The mechanism of the ultrasound-induced self-assembly of the metalated dipeptides was elucidated via kinetic and association experiments by H-1 NMR, in which ultrasound-triggered dissociation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the chloride ligands of the Pd- and Pt-complexes and amides initially occurred. This was followed by the formation of intermolecular amide-amide hydrogen bonds, which afforded the corresponding oligomeric peptide self-assembly as the nucleus for supramolecular aggregation. The observed first-order relationship of the gelation rate versus the sonication frequency suggested that the microcavitation generated under sonication conditions acted as a crucial trigger and provided a reaction field for efficient self-assembly.