Compositional control of higher order assembly using synthetic collagen peptides.

We present the case of a two-component collagen peptide hydrogel that self-assembles through noncovalent electrostatic interactions. Natural collagen materials, such as those of connective tissue or the basement membrane, assemble in a hierarchic fashion. Similarly, the synthetic peptides presented here proceed from monomer to trimer to fiber and, finally, to a hydrogel. By varying stoichiometry and concentration, we are able to dissect the stages of higher order assembly. Insight gained from this study will improve the molecular design of biomimetic materials.