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Flexible and modular 3D‐printed peptide models
Author(s) -
Kerwin Sean M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1002/bmb.21250
Subject(s) - modular design , 3d printed , peptide , computer science , engineering , chemistry , biomedical engineering , biochemistry , programming language
A flexible and modular peptide modeling set was designed using freely available software tools. The set consists of space‐filling models of all 20 naturally occurring amino acid side chains and a modular kit for constructing peptides employing C‐alpha carbons and amide bond groups. Connectors that allow free rotation about phi and psi angles on the peptide, together with explicit representation of peptide backbone hydrogen bond donor and acceptors allows for the construction of a wide range of protein secondary structure motifs. The space‐filling side chain models highlight the steric, acid–base, and polarity of these groups. These models were printed using relatively affordable commercially available fused filament fabrication printers with minimal postprinting processing. Use of these models in student group activities focused on amino acids and protein secondary structural features is described. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):432–437, 2019.