A novel self-assembled hybrid organogel of polypeptide-based block copolymers with inclusion of polypeptide-functionalized graphene

Abstract

Self-assembled hybrid organogels of polypeptides containing block copolymers with the inclusion of polypeptide-functionalized graphene were designed and elaborately prepared, and showed interesting microstructures as well as enhanced mechanical performances. Firstly, a series of peptide-based triblock copolymers (triBCPs),, with different lengths of PBLG helices, were synthesized and characterized. As the length of the PBLG helices increased, the critical gelation concentration of the BDB triBCPs decreased while the gel-sol transition temperature increased. Moreover, the PBLG covalently modified graphene oxide (GO) sheets were successfully incorporated into the BDB organogels in toluene and hybrid organogels were prepared. In the presence of GO sheets, the minimum gelation concentration of the hybrid organogel was slightly lowered, and the hybrid organogels preserved thermoreversibility. In the hybrid gels, the triBCPs still self-assembled into nanoribbon structures and the functionalized GO sheets were well dispersed in the gel medium, which was obviously observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the inclusion of the functionalized graphene greatly enhanced the mechanical performance of the hybrid gels, which was demonstrated by the significant increase of the moduli and the fracture stress of the hybrid gels compared with the corresponding native gels in the rheology experiments.

Facile synthesis of 1,4-cis-polyisoprene–polypeptide hybrids with different architectures

“…The gel of linear hybrid (Runs 2 in Table 1) was analyzed by TEM ( Figure S8). Similarly to previously reported BLG organogels, 52,53 fibers can be seen on the image, indicating that the presence of PI block does not prevent poly(BLG) self-assembly. AB and AB2 hybrids are solid or soft sticky substance depending on PI -polypeptide ratio, whereas films can be prepared with BAB and BAB2 hybrids.…”

Supramolecular Assembly and Thermogelation Strategies Using Peptide–Polymer Conjugates

“…The formation of temperature-responsive gels was also investigated for other conjugates consisting of PBLG. Thermogelation tests were conducted and assessed on PBLG- b -PDMS- b -PBLG triblock copolymers of different chain lengths to determine their properties . In toluene, the ABA type copolymers formed a solution at a high temperature of 90 °C, transitioning to a gel state as the temperature decreased.…”

“…Schematic representations of the PBLG- b -PDMS- b -PBLG (A) and GO- g -PBLG/PBLG- b -PDMS- b -PBLG fibrillar gel networks (B). Reprinted with permission under a Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 DEED from ref . Copyright 2017 Royal Society of Chemistry.…”

Self-Assembling Peptides and Carbon Nanomaterials Join Forces for Innovative Biomedical Applications

“…In particular, self-assembled diphenylalanine nanotubes are widely investigated and can form onto the surface of graphene, despite the fact that binding of the peptides onto the carbon nanomaterial’s surface does alter the hydrogen bonding pattern of the assemblies [ 126 ]. When self-assembling peptide gelators and graphene oxide are successfully combined together, the mechanical properties of the resulting materials are improved [ 66 , 138 ].…”