Modification of fluorophore photophysics through peptide-driven self-assembly

Channon, K.J., Devlin, G.L., Magennis, S.W. , Finlayson, C.E., Tickler, A.K., Silva, C. and MacPhee, C.E. (2008) Modification of fluorophore photophysics through peptide-driven self-assembly. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 130(16), pp. 5487-5491. (doi: 10.1021/ja710310c)

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Abstract

We describe the formation of self-assembling nanoscale fibrillar aggregates from a hybrid system comprising a short polypeptide conjugated to the fluorophore fluorene. The fibrils are typically unbranched, 7 nm in diameter, and many microns in length. A range of techniques are used to demonstrate that the spectroscopic nature of the fluorophore is significantly altered in the fibrillar environment. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy reveals changes in the guest fluorophore, consistent with energy migration and excimer formation within the fibrils. We thus demonstrate the use of self-assembling peptides to drive the assembly of a guest moiety, in which novel characteristics are observed as a consequence. We suggest that this method could be used to drive the assembly of a wide range of guests, offering the development of a variety of useful, smart nanomaterials that are able to self-assemble in a controllable and robust fashion.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Magennis, Dr Steven
Authors: Channon, K.J., Devlin, G.L., Magennis, S.W., Finlayson, C.E., Tickler, A.K., Silva, C., and MacPhee, C.E.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Journal of the American Chemical Society
Publisher:American Chemical Society
ISSN:0002-7863

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