Optical Polarization-Based Measurement Methods for Characterization of Self-Assembled Peptides’ and Amino Acids’ Micro- and Nanostructures

Abstract

In recent years, self-assembled peptides’ and amino acids’ (SAPA) micro- and nanostructures have gained much research interest. Here, description of how SAPA architectures can be characterized using polarization-based optical measurement methods is provided. The measurement methods discussed include: polarized Raman spectroscopy, polarized imaging microscopy, birefringence imaging, and fluorescence polarization. An example of linear polarized waveguiding in an amino acid Histidine microstructure is discussed. The implementation of a polarization-based measurement method for monitoring peptide self-assembly processes and for deriving molecular orientation of peptides is also described.

Self-Assembly of a Novel Pentapeptide into Hydrogelated Dendritic Architecture: Synthesis, Properties, Molecular Docking and Prospective Applications

“…A major factor determining the physical and chemical properties of self-assembled peptides (and amino acids) is molecular orientation [21]. Polarization-based optical analysis is very useful in molecular analysis, mainly when it comes to molecular orientation.…”

“…It has been shown by others that temperature can also influence peptide self-assembly, resulting in bundles of aligned peptide nanofibers. These bundles can produce macroscopic birefringent domains on the order of tenths of millimeters [21,49].…”

“…However, the solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) method (in which a peptide is anchored to an insoluble solid support, typically made of a polymer matrix), has lately seen consistent advancements and refinements in order to produce peptides with high purity [19]. Thus, the exploration of amino acids and their ability to form specific sequences and implicitly supramolecular structures have paved the way for pioneering advancements in materials science [20,21].…”