Screening for silver nanoparticle-binding peptides by using a peptide array

The functional fragment of the silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-binding peptide AG4 (NPSSLFRYLPSD) was identified by screening using a peptide array. The short pentameric functional peptide LFRYL was identified as the core peptide that is responsible for binding of AgNPs by AG4. The analogue LFRKL was also shown to bind AgNPs. Tests with nanoparticles of other metal oxides showed that these two peptides bind AgNPs specifically and that their specificity is comparable with that of AG4.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Core fragment, LFRYL, from AgNP-binding peptide AG4 was identified. ► Peptide array was utilized for identification of the short peptide. ► The analogue peptide, LFRKL, was shown to bind AgNPs. ► Two peptides bind AgNPs specifically among nanoparticles of other metal oxides. ► Their specificity is comparable with that of AG4.