Self-assembly and bioactivity of a polymer/peptide conjugate containing the RGD cell adhesion motif and PEG

► Self-assembly of the peptide-PEG conjugate DGRFFF-PEG is studied. ► The conjugate contains the RGD cell adhesion motif. ► Fibrils are observed, with β-sheet content. ► The PEG crystallizes on drying but the fibril structure is retained. ► Films of the conjugate at low concentration are biocompatible: cell adhesion and proliferation are observed.