When beta-peptides assemble themselves they sometimes display interesting properties. For instance, some of these assemblies can be observed under a special microscope because they are colored. These colored assemblies could serve as a detection device for specific molecules.

A similar, but much larger scale example would be bikers that are out at night. Without a reflective light on their bike they are difficult, if not impossible to see. However, if they have a reflective light on their bike you can see and identify the biker. The difference is, the self assembled beta-peptides that display color would be used to detect proteins molecules instead of bikers, and you would have to look through a microscope to see them.

Self Assembling Beta Peptides Seen Through Microscope Lens

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