Self-assembly of 1-D n-type nanostructures based on naphthalene diimide-appended dipeptides.

n-Type 1D nanostructures are formed from the beta-sheet assembly of dipeptides bearing a 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid diimide (NDI) side chain into either helical nanofibers or twisted nanoribbons. Amyloid-like 1-D helical nanofibers and twisted nanoribbons assemble in an aqueous solution depending on the placement of the NDI group. beta-Sheet-type hydrogen bonding and pi-pi association play important roles in directing the assembly process. A delicate balance between electrostatic repulsion and hydrophobic interactions is critical for self-assembly. Fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy experiments indicate that the nature of the intermolecular organization and packing within the nanostructures critically impacts intermolecular energy migration pi-electron delocalization.