The use of low-molecular weight peptide-based hydrogelators (LMWGs) for the
immobilisation of enzymes is presented in this thesis. Low-molecular weight
hydrogelators are a class of materials which are highly suitable for increasing enzyme
lifetimes as they create a suitable biomimetic environment. Immobilised enzymes can
be utilised in enzyme fuel cells, providing low-energy conversion routes for chemical
processes. The hydrogels also possess tunable properties which allow their structure
to be manipulated to give desirable properties.This work begins with an exploration of dipeptide hydrogelators by investigating the
effect of varying salt solutions and concentrations of dipeptide on final hydrogel
structures. A wide range of characterisation techniques are employed to provide
information about the micro- and macro-structure of the hydrogels.The creation of dipeptide hydrogel materials via an electrochemical method is explored,
which allows the production of nanometre thick, membrane-like materials. These layers
are measured using Surface Plasmon Resonance techniques. The electrochemical
technique for dipeptide gelation is expanded in later chapters to produce a range of
novel materials.Finally, an exploration into the effect of additives on dipeptide hydrogels is conducted,
where the effect of adding chiral molecules is investigated. This provides interesting
information regarding the self-assembly processes involved with hydrogelation
processes, which has important implications for studying the folding and unfolding
processes of peptides.
Date of Award | 1 Dec 2011 |
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Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | |
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Supervisor | Petra Cameron (Supervisor) |
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- self-assembly
- peptide
- hydrogel
- enzyme immobilistion
Self-assembled peptide hydrogels
Johnson, E. (Author). 1 Dec 2011
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › PhD