High rate silicification of peptide-polymer assemblies toward composite nanotapes

Well-defined silica composite nanofibers are generated in a silicification process of self-assembled poly(ethylene oxide)-peptide nanotapes. Inspired by biological silica morphogenesis processes the nanotapes exhibit strong binding capabilities for silicic acid. Thus, prehydrolyzed tetramethoxysilane could be used as silica precursor. Very low concentrations (270 mu M) and short contact times (10 s) are sufficient to form effectively integrated nanocomposite tapes.