Figure 1.

Dynamic light scattering results for asymmetric amphiphiles. (A) A160-(IGG)₈ does not self-assemble and has a R_h of ∼7 nm, whereas A160-(FGG)₈ self-assembles into nanostructures with a R_h of ∼42 nm. (B) A160-(YG)₈ self-assembles into nanostructures with a R_h of ∼73 nm that disassemble at pH 12 (pK_aTyr = 10.1) because the deprotonation of tyrosine to tyrosinate greatly increases the hydrophilicity of the assembly domain, thereby disrupting the nanoparticle core. (C) A160-(FGG)₈ constructs with a R_h of ∼42 nm do not disassemble at high pH because phenylalanine residues do not become charged at high pH.