A multi-stimuli responsive, self-assembling, boronic acid dipeptideElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental methods and additional characterization data. See DOI: 10.1039/c5cc05207f

Modification of the dipeptide of phenylalanine, FF, with a boronic acid (BA) functionality imparts unique aqueous self-assembly behavior that responds to multiple stimuli. Changes in pH and ionic strength are used to trigger hydrogelation via the formation of nanoribbon networks. Furthermore, we show for the first time that the binding of polyols to the BA functionality can modulate a peptide between its assembled and disassembled states. Boronic acid-modified phenylalanine dipeptide reversibly assembles into nanoribbon gels, triggered through variations in pH, ionic strength, and unique polyol interactions.