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Backbone-Constrained Tripeptides Enable Sequence Control of Solid-State Dynamics

delete2026-03-04
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PRE
AI
K
Kuntrapakam Hema
H
Hamish W. A. Swanson
E
Elma Naranjo
A
Avishek Dey
C
Crisol L Aguirre Ortiz
M
Michelle C. Neary
D
Denize F Favaro
T
Tong Wang
陈曦 cover
陈曦 (Xi Chen)
R
Rein V. Ulijn *
DOI:10.1002/anie.5983894delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Understanding how peptide sequence relates to supramolecular dynamics and consequent solid-state material properties remains a central challenge for rational peptide materials design. Here, we use N-terminal proline as a strategic conformational constraint in minimalist tripeptides (PXX; P = proline, X = phenylalanine (F) or tryptophan (W)) to isolate side-chain contributions from backbone and show that simple aromatic exchange dictates crystallization pathways and solid-state dynamics. In this design, proline rigidifies the backbone, the central residue supports assembly, and the C-terminal aromatic residue dictates conformational adaptability. Combining molecular dynamics simulations with NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy, we show that peptides with W at the C-terminus, with a diverse interaction space, display shallow energy landscapes with multiple accessible states, whereas a C-terminal F, with a stringent hydrophobic nature and limited interaction space, restricts the peptide into fewer conformations. As a result, PXF peptides form soluble supramolecular aggregates, while PXW peptides access more adaptable conformations that promote crystallization. Solid-state characterization reveals that these sequence-encoded supramolecular dynamics directly influence bulk properties: W-containing peptides form stiff crystals with dynamic, wettable surfaces, whereas F analogues yield static, hydrophobic materials. Together, these results establish how aromatic-residues dictate supramolecular assembly and crystallization, offering a straightforward approach to engineering dynamic properties in solid-state peptide materials.
Keywords:
non-covalent interactions
peptide assembly
peptide crystals
supramolecular dynamics
tryptophan

Journal

Angewandte Chemie International Edition cover
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
IF:
16.9
Papers:
4.7K
Citations:
368

Organization

C
city university of new york
Scholars:
462
Papers: 252
Citations: 0