Nature’s choice for homochirality has stimulated our research, as we challenge it with heterochirality. The scientific journey in this direction starts from the design of tripeptides to define self-assembly rules within chemical systems of biological relevance. We use one or two D-amino acids in D,L-tripeptides and study small libraries with variations in stereochemistry or amino acid sequence.1 We established how chirality affects spatial conformation for assembly from the molecular, nano-, micro- and through to the macro-scale, to link the macroscopic properties back to structural details of the building blocks.2 As Alice steps beyond the mirror and enters Wonderland,3 we can get inspired by D-amino acids and use them in D,L-peptides to achieve functional superstructures. We monitored molecular conformation and its evolution as a continuum to macroscopic hydrogels.2 We have now identified a more diverse library of self-assembling tripeptides with different functional groups. 
Applications range from (antimicrobial) biomaterials4 to supramolecular catalysis,5 with function that can be switched on/off with assembly/disassembly.

You can join the seminar at: https://rediris.zoom.us/j/86219139573