Concentration dependent transformation of oligopeptide based nanovesicles to nanotubes and an application of nanovesicles

Abstract

The concentration dependent transformation of an oligopeptide nanostructure from nanovesicles to nanotubes at neutral pH is presented. The oligopeptide Acp-Tyr-Glu (Acp: 6-aminohexanoic acid) forms nanovesicles at a concentration of 6.9 mg mL^-1. At a concentration of 2.3 mg mL^-1 these vesicular structures completely disappear and nanotubular structures are observed. We have also successfully optimized an intermediate concentration (3.4 mg mL^-1) where an ordered array of fused vesicular structures are formed, which actually leads to the transition from nanovesicles to nanotubes. These vesicular structures are very much sensitive toward metal ions and pH. Biocompatible calcium ions and high pH (10.7) can trigger the rupturing of these nanovesicles. One important property of these nanovesicular structures is the encapsulation of a potent anticancer drug doxorubicin, which can also be released in the presence of calcium ions promising a future use of these nanovesicles as vehicles for carrying biologically important molecules.