Abstract: The aqueous self-assembly of oligopeptide-flanked ?-conjugated molecules into discrete one-dimensional nanostructures is described. Unique to these molecules is the fact that the ?-conjugated unit has been directly embedded within the peptide backbone by way of a synthetic amino acid with ?-functionality that is compatible with standard Fmoc-based peptide synthesis or by way of a diacid or other bis(electrophile) that can covalently cross-link peptide chains presented on a synthesis support. The peptide-based molecular designs enforce intimate ?-? communication within the aggregates after charge-screening and self-assembly, making these nanostructures attractive for optical or electronic applications in biological environments. In other embodiments, a convenient method to incorporate ?-electron units into peptides that assemble into amyloid-like supramolecular polymers is disclosed.

Abstract: The aqueous self-assembly of oligopeptide-flanked ?-conjugated molecules into discrete one-dimensional nanostructures is described. Unique to these molecules is the fact that the ?-conjugated unit has been directly embedded within the peptide backbone by way of a synthetic amino acid with ?-functionality that is compatible with standard Fmoc-based peptide synthesis or by way of a diacid or other bis(electrophile) that can covalently cross-link peptide chains presented on a synthesis support. The peptide-based molecular designs enforce intimate ?-? communication within the aggregates after charge-screening and self-assembly, making these nanostructures attractive for optical or electronic applications in biological environments. In other embodiments, a convenient method to incorporate ?-electron units into peptides that assemble into amyloid-like supramolecular polymers is disclosed.