biostudies-literatureUnknown9(1)Jin HDespite recent advances in the assembly of organic nanotubes, conferral of sequence-defined engineering and dynamic response characteristics to the tubules remains a challenge. Here we report a new family of highly designable and dynamic nanotubes assembled from sequence-defined peptoids through a unique "rolling-up and closure of nanosheet" mechanism. During the assembly process, amorphous spherical particles of amphiphilic peptoid oligomers crystallize to form well-defined nanosheets before folding to form single-walled nanotubes. These nanotubes undergo a pH-triggered, reversible contraction-expansion motion. By varying the number of hydrophobic residues of peptoids, we demonstrate tuning of nanotube wall thickness, diameter, and mechanical properties. Atomic force microscopy-based mechanical measurements show peptoid nanotubes are highly stiff (Young's Modulus ~13-17 GPa). We further demonstrate the precise incorporation of functional groups within nanotubes and their applications in water decontamination and cellular adhesion and uptake. These nanotubes provide a robust platform for developing biomimetic materials tailored to specific applications.Nature communications270https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5773689biostudies-literatureDesignable and dynamic single-walled stiff nanotubes assembled from sequence-defined peptoids.PMC5773689Liao ZChen CLDing YHNewcomb CJLin YWang MJin HLi ZJian TMu PTang XQSong YWu XYan FfalseDesignable and dynamic single-walled stiff nanotubes assembled from sequence-defined peptoids.Despite recent advances in the assembly of organic nanotubes, conferral of sequence-defined engineering and dynamic response characteristics to the tubules remains a challenge. Here we report a new family of highly designable and dynamic nanotubes assembled from sequence-defined peptoids through a unique "rolling-up and closure of nanosheet" mechanism. During the assembly process, amorphous spherical particles of amphiphilic peptoid oligomers crystallize to form well-defined nanosheets before folding to form single-walled nanotubes. These nanotubes undergo a pH-triggered, reversible contraction-expansion motion. By varying the number of hydrophobic residues of peptoids, we demonstrate tuning of nanotube wall thickness, diameter, and mechanical properties. Atomic force microscopy-based mechanical measurements show peptoid nanotubes are highly stiff (Young's Modulus ~13-17 GPa). We further demonstrate the precise incorporation of functional groups within nanotubes and their applications in water decontamination and cellular adhesion and uptake. These nanotubes provide a robust platform for developing biomimetic materials tailored to specific applications.2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Jan2025-04-04T11:30:56.802Z2019-03-26T22:58:21ZS-EPMC57736892934855110.1038/s41467-017-02059-1