Stimuli-responsive control of cyclic peptide nanotubes towards biological applications

Abstract

The dynamic behaviour of supramolecular systems has facilitated the incorporation of stimuli-responsive capabilities into these materials, thereby broadening their range of applications. In this context, self-assembling cyclic peptide nanotubes emerge as a promising alternative for the construction of this type of systems. These tubular assemblies are formed by the controlled stacking of cyclic peptide units with a flat conformation through hydrogen bonding interactions. This doctoral thesis proposes different strategies for obtaining stimuli-responsive cyclic peptide nanotubes in order to control their self-assembly process or to develop drug delivery applications. The results represent an initial step towards future new self-assembly properties and biological applications for cyclic peptide nanotubes.