Peptide and amino acids amphiphiles: Synthesis and properties

Dialkyl chain amphiphiles containing peptides derived from extracellular matrix collagen ligand sequences were synthesized using a highly efficient solid-phase approach. The compounds formed stable monolayers at air-water interface, and peptide packing was denser than the packing of a fully hydrated random coil structure. At high surface pressure, the peptide amphiphiles were compressed to molecular areas corresponding to fully extended peptide chains. Monolayers of peptide amphiphiles permit the investigation of model membranes containing the functional elements of proteins.