Structural Characterization of a New Collagen Biomimetic Octapeptide with Nanoscale Self‐Assembly Potential: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches

Bioinspired peptides are attractive biomolecules which can improve our understanding of self-assembly processes for rational design of new peptide-based materials. Herein, a new amidated peptide FRSAPFIE (FRS), based on a sequence present in human collagen, was synthesized, characterized by mass spectrometry and subjected to self-assembling investigations. The optimal conditions for self-assembly were disclosed by dynamic light scattering at 32 °C and a peptide concentration of 0.51 %. In addition, AFM studies revealed ellipsoidal FRS shapes with an area between 0.8 and 3.1 μm