Amine-sulfonyl hydrogen bonding forms $\beta$-strand mimics

Ethyl vinyl sulfone (EVS)-substituted amino acids have the ability to form $\beta$-strand mimics that can then continue to aggregate into larger structures such as sheets. The $\beta$-strand forms from a sulfonyl-amine hydrogen bond. Here, we show that EVS-substituted lysine forms $\beta$-structures similar to protein $\beta$-structures as measured with x-ray diffraction. The $\beta$-structures can aggregate into macroscopic sheets with the ability to roll under the influence of the amino acid chirality. Microtubules form from sheets rolling left (L-lysine) or right (D-lysine).