Spheroidal and Nanocrystal Structures From Carbodiimide Crosslinking Reaction With RADA16

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that RADA16 polypeptides can be self-crosslinked using EDC, resulting in nanocrystals and spherules, with structural characterization confirming the formation of these new morphologies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for crosslinking RADA16 using EDC to produce nanocrystals and spherules, expanding its potential applications.

Findings

Formation of nanocrystals and spherules confirmed by microscopy.

FTIR evidence supports successful crosslinking.

Size distribution characterized by nano tracking analysis.

Abstract

RADA16 is a widely studied polypeptide known for its ability to self-assemble into $\beta$-sheets that form nanofibers. Here we show that it is possible to self-crosslink the molecule via 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) as aqueous solutions. The product results in a mix of nanocrystals and near micron-size spherules. SEM and TEM pictures provide a view of the structures and nano tracking analysis give their size distributions. FTIR analysis provides evidence for the existence of a crosslinking reaction.