Photoluminescent Peptide Nanotubles

Abstract

The development of novel photoluminescent peptide-nanotube materials that were readily prepared by incorporation of photosensitizers and/or lanthanide ions, such as terbium (Tb) and europium (Eu), into the diphenylalanine (FF) nanotubes through a self-assembly process, was reported. Fresh FF solution was prepared by dissolving as-received FF in HFIP at 100mg mL -1. Stock solutions of photosensitizers and lanthanide ions were each prepared at 10mM in methanol. Photoluminescent peptide nanotubes were readily formed by diluting concentrated FF with a methanolic solution containing photosensitizers and/or lanthanides into a final concentration of 10mg mL -1, which was followed by rigorous vortexing. Peptide nanotubes and photosensitizer molecules exhibited a high synergistic effect on the enhancement of lanthanide photoluminescence through a cascaded energy-transfer mechanism.