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Song Y, Selmani S, Freites JA, Guan Z, Tobias DJ. Multiscale Molecular Dynamics Simulations of an Active Self-Assembling Material. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:1266-1274. [PMID: 38290526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Inspired by the adaptability observed in biological materials, self-assembly processes have attracted significant interest for their potential to yield novel materials with unique properties. However, experimental methods have often fallen short in capturing the molecular details of the assembly process. In this study, we employ a multiscale molecular dynamics simulation approach, complemented by NMR quantification, to investigate the mechanism of self-assembly in a redox-fueled bioinspired system. Contrary to conventional assumptions, we have uncovered a significant role played by the monomer precursor in the assembly process, with its presence varying with concentration and the extent of conversion of the monomer to the dimer. Experimental confirmation through NMR quantification underscores the concentration-dependent incorporation of monomers into the fibrous structures. Furthermore, our simulations also shed light on the diverse intermolecular interactions, including T-shaped and parallel π stacking, as well as hydrogen bonds, in stabilizing the aggregates. Overall, the open conformation of the dimer is preferred within these aggregates. However, inside the aggregates, the distribution of conformations shifts slightly to the closed conformation compared to on the surface. These findings contribute to the growing field of bioinspired materials science by providing valuable mechanistic and structural insights to guide the design and development of self-assembling materials with biomimetic functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanming Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Serxho Selmani
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - J Alfredo Freites
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Zhibin Guan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Douglas J Tobias
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Center for Complex and Active Materials, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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