Self-Assembly of Supramolecular Polymers from β-Strand Peptidomimetie-Poly(ethylene oxide) Hybrids

The use of hydrogen-bonding beta-strand peptidomimetics for the preparation of supramolecular polymers is described here. The beta-strand mimics were selected for their ability to form hydrogen bonds on only one face of the strand, allowing for controlled assembly into linear polymers. Alkyne-functionalized peptidomimetics with the capacity to form either four, six, or eight self-complementary hydrogen bonds were synthesized and conjugated to both termini of low molecular weight (MW) alpha,psi-diazidopoly(ethylene glycol). The assembly of these polymers into higher MW supramolecular polymers was investigated by multiangle light scattering, dynamic light scattering, and circular dichroism. It was found that the eight-hydrogen-bonding system was required for the significant formation of high MW assemblies and that the degree of assembly was dependent on the polymer concentration as well as the solvent. Thus, these peptidomimetics provide a new platform for the development of supramolecular polymers with the promise to tune their properties using functionalities on the amino acid side chains.