pH-Responsive, Amphiphilic Core-Shell Supramolecular Polymer Brushes from Cyclic Peptide-Polymer Conjugates

The synthesis and self-assembly of pH-responsive, amphiphilic cyclic peptide-polymer conjugates are described. The design relies on the introduction of a poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (pDPA) block between the cyclic peptide and a hydrophilic block. These conjugates are disassembled and protonated at low pH but assemble into core-shell nanotubes at physiological pH, as determined by a combination of titration experiments and scattering techniques.