Peptoid Assembly: from Minimal Peptoids to Antimicrobial Activity

DRA lecture held by Assoc. Prof. K. Aaron Lau, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK

N-substituted glycine “peptoids” are close structural isomers of peptides and can be synthesized with both natural and non-natural sidechains. Their molecular assembly is of great interest because they expand the range of secondary structures possible and they exhibit simplified sequence design rules due to the elimination of backbone hydrogen bond donors. This presentation will introduce our studies into the behavior and biofunctionality of peptoid assemblies based on a range of sequence lengths and chain-end modifications. Special focus will be placed on recent work into antimicrobial “lipo-peptoids”, for which the selectivity of potent oligomeric sequences may be improved by modification with aliphatic tails through a flexible linker. Solid state NMR, CD, and simulations studies are ongoing to study the membrane interactions. Other fundamental studies will also be introduced. One area is “minimal” peptoid assembly, including the selective crystallization of C-amidated monomers at air-liquid and liquid-liquid interfaces, and trimer assembly into pH stable, sequence-dependent nanostructures. Another is the use of long alternating sequences to form rigid peptoid nanosheets and direct stem cell osteogenesis simply through physical contact interactions. Overall, we aim to demonstrate the expanded possibilities in peptoid assembly and in considering sequence chemistry together with biophysical effects.

The lecture is organised on behalf of the graduate programme in pharmaceutical sciences, Drug Research Academy, by Professor Christian A. Olsen, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The DRA lecture is free of charge and open for attendance by all interested parties. It is not necessary to pre-register.