New α,γ‐cyclic peptides‐nanotube molecular caps using α,α‐dialkylated α‐amino acids

We report here the preparation and structural characteristics of a novel self‐assembling peptide composed of alternating α,α‐dialkylated α‐amino and cis ‐4‐aminocyclopent‐2‐enecarboxylic acids. The use of α,α‐dialkylated amino acids represents a novel method to prevent the formation of extensive β‐sheet‐like hydrogen‐bonding networks that are characteristic of peptide nanotubes. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.