What is "bis-peptide"

Bis-peptides are analogues of peptides, but consist of bis-amino acids, which bear two carboxyl groups and two amino groups. The connection of specific bis-amino acids leads to the formation of bis-peptides with well-defined molecular shape, which is of great interest for designing nano-structures.

Possible applications that are currently investigated, include the binding and inactivation of cholera toxin and the cross linkage of surface proteins of various viruses ( HIV, Ebola virus). Further the group of Christian Schafmeister developed molecular hinges, which can be used for the construction of molecular machines, such as nano- valves or data storage systems.