Peptide–Polymer Conjugates for Bioinspired Compatibilization of Internal Composite Interfaces: via Specific Interactions toward Stiffer and Tougher Materials

Abstract

Specifically selected peptide–polymer conjugates, applied for inorganic–organic interface compatibilization, lead to stiffer and tougher materials. The concept is based on the sequence‐specific interaction of a peptide with inorganic surfaces and utilizes the idea of interface management of natural materials such as bone and nacre where proteins mediate inorganic–organic interactions.

Towards centimeter thick transparent wood through interface manipulation

“…In this way, higher transmittance could be obtained, which will pave the way for thick transparent wood fabrication. Surface manipulation is a common and useful strategy to solve the compatibility issues, including the use of compatibilizer 19 and surface modication. 20 Acetylation is an efficient method to hydrophobilize wood or lignocellulose pulp, which has been studied to reduce wood moisture sensitivity and increase compatibility with plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene.…”

Identification of Functional Peptide Sequences to Lead the Design of Precision Polymers

“…Recently precision compatibilizers, exhibiting a material specific adsorption domain found via combinatorial means, have been introduced and effects of these compatibilizers were demonstrated on both material model systems by blending MgF 2 nanoparticles in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as well as applicable hybrid 3D printable materials resulting from blends of MgF 2 and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) . The model confirmed that MgF 2 nanoparticle sols were successfully stabilized with PEG‐peptide conjugates in solution and could be efficiently blended in PEO, resulting in composites with enhanced stiffness and toughness.…”

“…The bioconjugate included a peptide segment that enables material specific binding found via phage display biopanning and the polymer block that can effectively blend into a polymer matrix. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2016, Wiley‐VCH.…”

Synthesis of Macromolecules Containing Phenylalanine and Aliphatic Building Blocks

“…Furthermore, initial work on the use of sequence-defined macromolecules as interfacial agents for composite materials has been reported, for example, peptide-polymer conjugates for composite materials based on magnesium fluoride nanoparticles and poly(ethylene oxide). [10,11] Herein a synthetic strategy is proposed to design interfacial agents in the attempt to promote an enhanced dispersion of aramid fibers in a polymer matrix through the synthesis of macromolecules possessing some building blocks able to adsorb onto the chosen fiber and others compatible with the polymer matrix. The synthetic route used is based on the solidsupported iterative approach following a protocol previously established to obtain sequence-defined macromolecules based on amino acid residues and aliphatic building blocks.…”

“…Their results indicated that copolymers with specific sequences could potentially be more efficient to reduce the interfacial energy as compared to block and random copolymers. Furthermore, initial work on the use of sequence‐defined macromolecules as interfacial agents for composite materials has been reported, for example, peptide–polymer conjugates for composite materials based on magnesium fluoride nanoparticles and poly(ethylene oxide) …”