Redox-sensitive reversible self-assembly of amino acid–naphthalene diimide conjugates

Peptide and low molecular weight amino acid-based materials that self-assemble in response to environmental triggers are highly desirable candidates in forming functional materials with tunable biophysical properties. In this paper, we explore redox-sensitive self-assembly of cationic phenylalanine derivatives conjugated to naphthalene diimide (NDI). Self-assembly of the cationic Phe-NDI conjugates into nanofibrils was induced in aqueous solvent at high ionic strength. Under reducing conditions, these self-assembled Phe-NDI conjugate fibrils underwent a morphological change to non-fibril aggregates. Upon reoxidation, the initially observed fibrils were reformed. The study herein provides an interesting strategy to effect reversible switching of the structure of supramolecular materials that can be applied to the development of sophisticated stimulus-responsive materials.