Self-assembling peptides construct supramolecular materials

Chem Commun (Camb). 2026 Jan 29;62(8):2384-2396. doi: 10.1039/d5cc06446e.

Abstract

Programmable peptide self-assembly enables the precise construction of supramolecular materials, establishing it as a defining frontier in nanomaterials research. This review systematically explores the collective contribution of sequence design, secondary structure regulation (including α-helices, β-sheets, and cyclic conformations), and dynamic modulation, and hierarchical organization in facilitating the creation of well-defined nanostructures such as nanotubes, nanopores, and nanocages. Artificial intelligence and computational modeling have emerged as critical tools to guide peptide design and predict assembly pathways, thereby enabling a strategic shift from empirical screening to mechanism-driven design. The review further highlights nanopore-based detection applications, demonstrating the potential for highly accurate, biocompatible detection of ions, nucleic acids, and proteins at single-molecule resolution. By integrating molecular design with biological function, this "from sequence-design to ordered structures to advanced applications" paradigm establishes a foundational framework for the development of precisely constructed functional supramolecular materials.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Macromolecular Substances / chemical synthesis
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Peptides* / chemistry

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Macromolecular Substances