From Distinct Metallopeptoids to Self-Assembled Supramolecular Architectures

The construction of synthetic protein mimics is a central goal in chemistry. A known approach for achieving this goal is the self-assembly of synthetic biomimetic sequences into supramolecular structures. Obtaining different 3D structures via a simple sequence modification, however, is still challenging. Herein we present the design and synthesis of biomimetic architectures, via the self-assembly of distinct copper-peptoid duplexes. We demonstrate that changing only one non-coordinating side-chain within the peptoids—sequence-specific N-substituted glycine oligomers—leads to different supramolecular structures. Four peptoid trimers incorporating 2,2’-bipyridine and pyridine ligands, and a non-coordinating but rather a structure-directed bulky group were synthesized, and their solutions were treated with Cu²⁺ in a 1:1 ratio. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of the products revealed the self-assembly of each peptoid into a metallopeptoid duplex, followed by the self-assembly of multiple duplexes and their packing into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture via hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions. Tuning the non-coordinating side-chain enables to regulate both the final structure being either a tightly packed helical rod or a nano-channel, and the pore width of the nano-channels. Importantly, all the metallopeptoids structures are stable in aqueous solution as verified by cryo-TEM measurements and supported by UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopies and by ESI-MS analysis. Thus, we could also demonstrate the selective recognition abilities of the nano-channels towards glycerol.     

Self-assembled free-floating nanomaterials from sequence-defined polymers

Sequence-defined polymers can be programmed to self-assemble into precise nanostructures for applications in biosensing, drug delivery, optics, and molecular computation. Inspired by the natural self-assembly processes present in biological protein and DNA systems, sets of molecular design rules have emerged across materials classes as instructions to build a variety of tunable structures. This review highlights recent advances in self-assembled sequence-defined and sequence-specific polymers across peptides, peptoids, DNA, and non-biological synthetic materials, with a focus on synthesis, assembly processes and overall structure. Specifically, these self-assembled structures are free-floating, as such constructs can potentially serve as a platform for the aforementioned applications. Emphasis is placed on the molecular design of polymers that self-assemble into zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional nanostructures. With the development of automated syntheses and increasing control over self-assembly, future work may focus on emerging classes of compatible hybrid materials with exciting directions toward new architectures and applications.     

Modulating Protein–Protein Interactions by Cyclic and Macrocyclic Peptides. Prominent Strategies and Examples

Cyclic and macrocyclic peptides constitute advanced molecules for modulating protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Although still peptide derivatives, they are metabolically more stable than linear counterparts, and should have a lower degree of flexibility, with more defined secondary structure conformations that can be adapted to imitate protein interfaces. In this review, we analyze recent progress on the main methods to access cyclic/macrocyclic peptide derivatives, with emphasis in a few selected examples designed to interfere within PPIs. These types of peptides can be from natural origin, or prepared by biochemical or synthetic methodologies, and their design could be aided by computational approaches. Some advances to facilitate the permeability of these quite big molecules by conjugation with cell penetrating peptides, and the incorporation of β-amino acid and peptoid structures to improve metabolic stability, are also commented. It is predicted that this field of research could have an important future mission, running in parallel to the discovery of new, relevant PPIs involved in pathological processes.     

Surface Design for Immobilization of an Antimicrobial Peptide Mimic for Efficient Anti-Biofouling

Microbial surface attachment negatively impacts a wide range of devices from water purification membranes to biomedical implants. Mimics of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constituted from poly(N-substituted glycine) „peptoids“ are of great interest as they resist proteolysis and can inhibit a wide spectrum of microbes. We investigate how terminal modification of a peptoid AMP-mimic and its surface immobilization affect antimicrobial activity. We also demonstrate a convenient surface modification strategy for enabling alkyne–azide „click“ coupling on amino-functionalized surfaces. Our results verified that the N- and C-terminal peptoid structures are not required for antimicrobial activity. Moreover, our peptoid immobilization density and choice of PEG tether resulted in a „volumetric“ spatial separation between AMPs that, compared to past studies, enabled the highest AMP surface activity relative to bacterial attachment. Our analysis suggests the importance of spatial flexibility for membrane activity and that AMP separation may be a controlling parameter for optimizing surface anti-biofouling.     

Macrocyclic Tetramers—Structural Investigation of Peptide-Peptoid Hybrids

Outstanding affinity and specificity are the main characteristics of peptides, rendering them interesting compounds for basic and medicinal research. However, their biological applicability is limited due to fast proteolytic degradation. The use of mimetic peptoids overcomes this disadvantage, though they lack stereochemical information at the α-carbon. Hybrids composed of amino acids and peptoid monomers combine the unique properties of both parent classes. Rigidification of the backbone increases the affinity towards various targets. However, only little is known about the spatial structure of such constrained hybrids. The determination of the three-dimensional structure is a key step for the identification of new targets as well as the rational design of bioactive compounds. Herein, we report the synthesis and the structural elucidation of novel tetrameric macrocycles. Measurements were taken in solid and solution states with the help of X-ray scattering and NMR spectroscopy. The investigations made will help to find diverse applications for this new, promising compound class.     

Stabilising Peptoid Helices Using Non‐Chiral Fluoroalkyl Monomers

Stability towards protease degradation combined with modular synthesis has made peptoids of considerable interest in the fields of chemical biology, medicine, and biomaterials. Given their tertiary amide backbone, peptoids lack the capacity to hydrogen‐bond, and as such, controlling secondary structure can be challenging. The incorporation of bulky, charged, or chiral aromatic monomers can be used to control conformation but such building blocks limit applications in many areas. Through NMR and X‐ray analysis we demonstrate that non‐chiral neutral fluoroalkyl monomers can be used to influence the K_cis/trans equilibria of peptoid amide bonds in model systems. The cis‐isomer preference displayed is highly unprecedented given that neither chirality nor charge is used to control the peptoid amide conformation. The application of our fluoroalkyl monomers in the design of a series of linear peptoid oligomers that exhibit stable helical structures is also reported.     

Dendrimer‐Type Peptoid‐Decorated Hexaphenylxylenes and Tetraphenylmethanes: Synthesis and Structure in Solution and in the Gas Phase

Branched organic nanostructures are useful scaffolds that find multiple applications in a variety of fields. Here, we present a novel approach to dendrimer‐like structures. Our design contains a rigid hydrocarbon‐based core (hexaphenylxylylene/tetraethynylphenylmethane) combined with a library of N‐substituted oligoglycines (so‐called peptoids) providing a flexible shell. The use of click chemistry allows rapid assembly of the nanostructures. The possibility of tuning the size and the solubility of this new type of nanostructure will be advantageous for future applications such as heterogeneous catalysis.