Switchable catalytic activity: Selenium-containing peptides with redox-controllable self-assembly properties

Abstract

Mimicking nature: The reversible formation of self-assembled nanostructures of selenium-containing peptides can be controlled by redox triggers (see scheme, VC=vitamin C). As a consequence, the catalytic activity of these peptides is switchable. These results should lead to the development of nature-mimicking smart materials with promising properties. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.