Supramolecular hydrogel biomaterials and water-channels of differing diameters from dipeptide isomers

Dipeptides stereoisomers and regioisomers composed of norleucine (Nle) and phenylalanine (Phe) self-assemble into hydrogels in physiological conditions that are suitable for cell culture. The supramolecular behavior, however, differs as the packing modes comprise amphipathic layers, or water channels, whose diameter is defined by either four or six dipeptide molecules. A variety of spectroscopy, microscopy, and synchrotron-radiation based techniques unveil fine details of intermolecular interactions that pinpoint the relationship between chemical structure and ability to form supramolecular architectures that define soft biomaterials.