Membrane active peptides with unnatural amino acids: permeation studies in model membranes

Abstract

It is reported the membrane permeation studies of Peptaibolin and several mimetics incorporating unnatural α,α-dialkylglycines (Deg, Dpg, Ac6c) with model membranes (egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol, in different ratios). The permeation activity was monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy, following release of an encapsulated fluorescent probe (6-carboxyfluorescein). The obtained results revealed a correlation between the length and bulk of the side chain of the unnatural α,α-dialkylglycines and the ability of the corresponding peptide to permeate the model membranes.