Self-Assembled Peptide Nanofibers Encapsulated with Superfine Silver Nanoparticles via Ag⁺ Coordination

Abstract

We demonstrate that a glutanthione-based oligopeptide, Fmoc-GCE, could self-assemble into nanofibers induced by Ag(+) ions in NaOH solution. During the self-assembly process, the superfine silver nanoparticles were in situ produced on the nanofibers. On the basis of a series of characterizations, we proposed the possible mechanism of the self-assembly, for which the coordination interaction between Fmoc-GCE and Ag(+) ions as well as the π-π stacking of fluorenyl groups were the main driving forces of the self-assembled nanofibers. At appropriate compositions, the 3D networks of Fmoc-GCE/NaOH/Ag(+) nanofibers could further form metallogel, which was responsive to pyridine and melamine, which could coordination with Ag(+) ions. Moreover, the nanofibers encapsulated with superfine silver nanoparticles exhibited catalytic ability in degradation of the azo dye and the antibacterial properties to both Gram negative (E. coli) and Gram positive (S. aureus) bacteria.

Ultrafine Au and Ag Nanoparticles Synthesized from Self‐Assembled Peptide Fibers and Their Excellent Catalytic Activity

“…As shown in Figure S4, two peaks centered at 368.4 and 374.3 eV with a spin‐energy separation of approximately 6 eV correspond to the typical Ag 3d 5/2 and Ag 3d 3/2 peaks of zero‐valent Ag . The ‐SH group on Ac‐FFACD‐OH is considered to act as a reductant due to its weak reducibility, as reported previously . Thus, the Ac‐FFACD‐OH molecules play three roles in the formation of AgNPs, that is, as a stabilizer, reductant, and directing template for the assembled fibers.…”

Colorimetric detection of Cu2+ based on the formation of peptide–copper complexes on silver nanoparticle surfaces

“…Amide groups and side chains of the peptides were involved as both reducing and capping agents. Functional groups of casein peptides can result in passivation of the AgNP surface [ 20 ] and stabilize NPs via coordination of N atoms with Ag atoms at the surface of AgNPs [ 21 – 22 ]. Contributions of the side-chain functional groups of the casein peptides, such as C–H stretching modes and –CH 2 – bending modes were identified at 2929 and 2850 cm −1 and at 1458 cm −1 , respectively, in agreement with [ 23 ].…”

Peptide Gelators to Template Inorganic Nanoparticle Formation

“…The templating effect of a tripeptide gelator bearing carboxylates and a thiol moiety for Ag + coordination results in the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) onto the gelling nanofibers that arise from the peptide stacks. Reprinted with permission from [46]. Copyright © 2021, American Chemical Society.…”