Silver Nanoparticles Assemblies Mediated by Functionalized Biomimetic Oligomers

The interaction between biopolymers and metal nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a key element in the development of biomimetic nanomaterials with applications in catalysis, delivery, and recognition. Here we report a facile method for the functionalization of AgNPs by N-substituted glycine oligomers, "peptoids." Based on the established affinity between phenanthroline ligand and Ag(0), we synthesized a peptoid bearing 1,10-phenanthroline at the N-terminus (PHP). Treatment of AgNPs that were pre-stabilized by citrate ions, with PHP, leads to the formation of aggregates as suggested by UV-vis spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the replacement of citrate ions by PHP yields spherical assemblies of AgNPs. These peptoids/AgNPs hybrids, as well as the ability of functional biomimetic oligomers to mediate the assembly of metal nanoparticles, hold potential for applications in sensor materials, biology, and catalysis. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 679-687, 2011.