Patent ID: 7671258

Claim:
A method of forming a self-assembled nanostructure comprising forming an aqueous mixture of peptides having a formula selected from the group consisting of: (Φ) m (+) n 1 (N→C); (+) n (Φ) m 2 (N→C); (Φ) m (−) n 3 (N→C); (−) n (Φ) m 4 (N→C); (−) n (Φ) m (−) n 5 (N→C); (+) n (Φ) m (+) n 6 (N→C); (Φ) m (−) n (Φ) m 7 (N→C); (Φ) m (+) n (Φ) m 8 (N→C); (+) n (Φ) m (−) n 9 (N→C); and (−) n (Φ) m (+) n 10 (N→C) wherein: (Φ) represents independently for each occurrence a natural or non-natural amino acid comprising a hydrophobic sidechain; (+) represents independently for each occurrence a natural or non-natural amino acid comprising a sidechain that is cationic at physiological pH; (−) represents independently for each occurrence a natural or non-natural amino acid comprising a sidechain that is anionic at physiological pH; wherein the terminal amino acids are optionally substituted; m for each occurrence represents an integer greater than or equal to 5; and n for each occurrence represents an integer greater than or equal to 1; under conditions suitable for self-assembly of the peptides into a nanostructure and allowing the nanostructure to be formed.