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We report a unique method to construct hierarchical superstructures based on molecular programming of peptidomimetics. Chiral steric hindrance in the polymer backbone stabilizes peptoid helices that crystallize into nanosheets during solvent evaporation. The stacking of nanosheets results in flower-like superstructures. The helical peptoid, nucleated from chiral monomers, is characterized as locally stiffer and more extended than the unstructured peptoid. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further suggest a constraint on the dihedral angles and a preference toward the trans configuration, resulting in an extended chain structure. The nanosheet assemblies at various length scales indicate an extent of intermolecular ordering amplified by chiral steric hindrance. Such molecular programming and processing protocols will benefit the future design and controlled assembly of hierarchical peptidomimetics.
Yang et al. (Tue,) studied this question.