Self-assembled diphenylalanine peptide microtubes covered by reduced graphene oxide/spiky nickel nanocomposite: An integrated nanobiomaterial for multifunctional applications

Abstract

In this work we report macroscopic integration of reduced graphene oxide decorated by nickel nanoparticles (rGO/Ni) with self-assembled diphenylalanine (FF) peptide microtubes (PMTs). The rGO/Ni nanocomposite forms planar electrode-like structure on the FF PMT surface and improves its mechanical and physical characteristics, as evidenced by the electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques. In particular, the enhancement of helical structural stability and stiffness of PMTs in the presence of rGO/Ni has been found. The interaction between rGO/Ni and FF PMTs modifies electromechanical properties of the microtubes, so that a large radial piezoresponse untypical of the pristine FF PMTs appears. Furthermore, the introduction of rGO/Ni enhances electrical conductivity of FF PMTs. The energy diagram of the PMT/rGO/Ni structure suggests an easy path for the optical conversion and light energy harvesting. The technical approach considered in this work opens up a new

Halogen bonding as a key interaction in the self‐assembly of iodinated diphenylalanine peptides

“…Reches and Gazit reported the ability of diphenylalanine peptide to form well‐ordered nanotubes from aqueous solutions, and their application as molds for metal nanowires . From there, the scientific interest related to this peptide grew exponentially; indeed, recent research works showed the use of diphenylalanine for antibacterial agents, piezoelectric components for energy harvesters, optical waveguides, hydrogels, drug delivery systems, and integration of metal nanocomposites . Taking this aromatic dipeptide as elementary motif, many chemical modifications were investigated to control the morphology of the self‐assembled nano‐objects, tailoring the system for the desired application .…”

Electric Field-Induced Chemical Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Enhancement from Aligned Peptide Nanotube–Graphene Oxide Templates for Universal Trace Detection of Biomolecules

“…However, cost, stability, biological compatibility, and environmental considerations have motivated the search for new SERS substrates. , Despite the fact that semiconductor-based SERS templates offer advantages in chemical stability and biocompatibility, − the enhancement factors are generally at least several orders of magnitude lower than those achieved using noble metals, thereby resulting in reduced detection sensitivity and limited practical application in areas such as biomedical analysis and diagnosis. − To date, a range of semiconductors have been employed for SERS, such as InAs/GaAs quantum dots, CuTe nanocrystals, Cu 2 O nanospheres, and TiO 2 nanostructures . Wang et al recently reported a ∼10 5 SERS enhancement resulting from the creation of oxygen vacancies in semiconductor materials such as tungsten oxide, W 18 O 49 , which is the highest enhancement reported for a semiconductor-based SERS template. , Two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting graphene is another promising material for SERS that enhances Raman scattering. , Graphene oxide (GO)-based materials are biocompatible, − are thermally and chemically stable, and can be produced at a high yield and low cost. However, relative to noble metals, GO is less effective at enhancing Raman scattering, with Raman enhancement factors around 10 3 as opposed to ∼10 10 . − GO-enhanced Raman scattering is generally attributed to the chemical contribution or chemical factor; − however, the mechanism is still under debate. − Several models have been put forward depending on the specific system under study, including metal–molecule charge-transfer resonance. − …”

Phe–Phe Di-Peptide Nanostructure Self-Assembling Modulated by Luminescent Additives

“…41−44 The combination of this material with organic or inorganic structures is a strategy to produce even more sophisticated devices, such as the transistors constructed by Aleshin 45 and other applications. 46−48…”

“…Poly­[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) has attracted scientific attention because of its morphological and optical properties that enable its application in electroluminescent devices and solar cells, among others. − The combination of this material with organic or inorganic structures is a strategy to produce even more sophisticated devices, such as the transistors constructed by Aleshin and other applications. − …”