Co-Assembly of Short Peptide and Melanin-like Nanoparticles into Sticky Tubes and Magnetic Hydrogels

Priyadip Das, Institute Of Chemistry, 2The Harvey M. Krueger Family Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology , The Hebrew University Of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
Sivan Yuran, Institute Of Chemistry, The Harvey M. Krueger Family Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology , The Hebrew University Of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
Meital Reches, Institute Of Chemistry, The Harvey M. Krueger Family Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology , The Hebrew University Of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Melanins, typically defined as polyphenolic compounds, derived from the oxidation of tyrosine or DOPA, are ubiquitous in living organisms. They serve a variety of purposes such as pigments, antioxidants and photoprotectants. Polydopamine (PDA) has emerged in recent years as a readily accessible synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring melanins. PDA-based coating can be prepared in acidic, neutral and alkaline aqueous media by oxidant-induced polymerization and can adhere to various surfaces. In addition, dopamine (DA) can be polymerized to PDA to generate spherical nanoparticles through a spontaneous self-oxidation of dopamine hydrochloride in aqueous alcoholic mixed solvent medium. The functional groups (-OH, -NH₂) on the surface of these spherical nanoparticles can facilitate the formation of various functionalized nanoparticles that can be useful for various applications. (1)  

This poster presents the development of different structural arrangements or nanocomposites by the co-assembly of PDA or functionalized PDA-based nanoparticles with simple peptides. Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy we demonstrated the morphology of these nanocomposites. In general, the adhesive nature of the bio-inspired catechol moieties of the PDA particles or the divergent property of the functionalized PDA nanoparticles is accountable for different morphological aspects or the structural arrangements of the co-assembled samples. 

References:

1. Yan, J.; Yang, L.; Lin, M-F.; Lu, X.; Lee, P.S. Small, 2013, 9 593-603.