β3R3-Peptides: design and synthesis of novel peptidomimetics and their self-assembling properties at the air-water interface

In this study we present the design and synthesis of a novel class of peptidomimetics, the beta(3R3)-peptides. Via alternating directions of the amide bonds along beta-peptide sequences, beta(3R3)-peptides can potentially extend the structural space available to beta-peptidic foldamers. Detailed analysis at the air-water interface shows strand conformations and the formation of sheet assemblies with different degrees of crystallinity. Furthermore beta(3R3)-peptides exhibit a high proteolytic stability thus making them an interesting new class of peptidomimetics for biomedical applications.