Owing to tryptophan amino acid‘s unique photophysical properties, strong membrane-disrupting activity and low cytotoxicity, directed a straightforward lipidated version followed by facile synthesis of gold nanoparticles. These hybrid nanomaterials were proposed as potential antibacterial agents.

Abstract

Strategically controlling concentrations of lipid-conjugated L-tryptophan (vsPA) guides the self-assembly of nanostructures, transitioning from nanorods to fibres and culminating in spherical shapes. The resulting Peptide-Au hybrids, exhibiting size-controlled 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures, show potential in antibacterial applications. Their high biocompatibility, favourable surface area-to-volume ratio, and plasmonic properties contribute to their effectiveness against clinically relevant bacteria. This controlled approach not only yields diverse nanostructures but also holds promise for applications in antibacterial therapeutics.