MEMBRANE-ACTIVE PEPTIDES
Aib (alpha-aminoisobutyric acid)-containing peptides are unique in their ability to interact with membranes. Aib is a naturally-occurring, non-coded residue with strong helix-inducing ability, due to the steric hindrance of the two geminal methyl groups on the alpha carbon. The rigid and well-defined helical conformation of Aib-peptides makes them remarkably stable under critical environmental conditions. Aib-peptides are also resistant to proteolysis, thanks to Aib not being easily recognized by proteolytic enzymes. Their features make them ideal candidates for a variety of applications outside the physiological environment