Self-Assembly and Hydrogelation of Peptide Amphiphiles

• Main Authors: Wahyudi Priyono Suwarso, Riwandi Sihombing, Irwansyah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universitas Indonesia 2012-04-01
• Series: Makara Seri Sains
• Subjects: low molecular weight gelator; MALDI; peptide amphiphile; self-assembly; solid phase peptide synthesis
• Online Access: http://journal.ui.ac.id/index.php/science/article/view/1281/1178

Seven peptide amphiphiles were successfully synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis method. Peptide amphiphiles were characterized using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) study showed that peptide amphiphiles having glycine, valine, or proline as linker, self-assembled into 100-200 nm nanofibers structure. According to our research, both peptide amphiphile with positive and negative charges bear similar self-assembly properties. Peptide amphiphile also showed its capability as low molecular weight gelator (LMWG). Peptide amphiphiles bearing C-16 and C-12 as alkyl showed better hydrogelation properties than C-8 alkyl. Five out of seven peptide amphiphiles have minimum gelation concentration (MGC) lower than 1% (w/v).