Investigating the Influence of Polymer Properties on Cyclic Peptide-Polymer Conjugate Nanotube Length

Cyclic peptides with alternating side chain stereochemistry are capable of self-assembling into long nanotubes (CPNTs). The conjugation of polymers to these peptides renders the resulting nanotubes water soluble, whilst providing functionality. CPNTs have promising applications in drug delivery where nanotube length dictates their bioavailability. However, we have limited understanding of how the chemistry of the polymers influences nanotube length. Here we propose to investigate how changing polymer properties such as molecular weight, hydrophobicity and aromaticity modulate the length of CPNTs. Spin-echo small angle neutron scattering is the ideal technique to investigate this question, able to resolve the real space distance distribution of CPNTs over large length scales. This information will facilitate the design of CPNTs of controlled length for drug delivery applications.