Protein-Induced Supramolecular Disassembly of Amphiphilic Polypeptide Nanoassemblies

Abstract

Mimicking noncovalent interaction based processes in nature has been an important goal of supramolecular chemistry. Here, we report on amphiphilic polypeptides that self-assemble to form nanoscale supramolecular assemblies and are programmed to disassemble in response to a specific protein. Benzenesulfonamide and carbonic anhydrase have been chosen as the ligand and protein, respectively, to demonstrate this possibility. Since the amphiphilic nanoassembly sequesters hydrophobic guest molecules, the protein-specific disassembly event provides a protein-sensitive molecular release as well. We envision that the binding induced disassembly and guest release might open up new opportunities for the next generation of supramolecular assemblies for protein-specific delivery and diagnostics.