Complexation of copper ions with histidine-containing tripeptides immobilized on solid surfaces

Protein nanopore-based sensors for public health analyte detection

High-throughput and label-free protein nanopore-based sensors are extensively used in DNA sequencing, single-protein analysis, molecular sensing and chemical catalysis with single channel recording. These technologies show great potential for identifying various harmful substances linked to public health by addressing the limitations of current portability and the speed of existing techniques. In this review, we provide an overview of the fundamental principles of nanopore sensing, with a focus on chemical modification and genetic engineering strategies aimed at enhancing the detection sensitivity and identification accuracy of protein nanopores. The engineered protein nanopores enable direct sensing, while the introduction of aptamers and substrates enables indirect sensing, translating the physical structure and chemical properties of analytes into readable signals. These scientific discoveries and engineering efforts have provided new prospects for detecting and monitoring trace hazardous substances.

Design, synthesis, and applications of ring-functionalized histidines in peptide-based medicinal chemistry and drug discovery

Modified and synthetic α-amino acids are known to show diverse applications. Histidine, which possesses numerous applications when subjected to synthetic modifications, is one such amino acid. The utility of modified histidines varies widely from remarkable biological activities to catalysis, and from nanotechnology to polymer chemistry. This renders histidine residue an important place in scientific research. Histidine is a well-studied scaffold and constitutes the active site of various enzymes catalyzing important reactions in the biological systems. A rational modification in histidine structure with a distinctly developed protocol extensively changes its physical and chemical properties. The utilization of modified histidines in search of potent, target selective and proteostable scaffolds is vital in the development of bioactive peptides with enhanced drug-likeliness. This review is a compilation and analysis of reported side-chain ring modifications at histidine followed by applications of ring-modified histidines in the synthesis of various categories of bioactive peptides and peptidomimetics.

Copper-tripeptides (cuzymes) with peroxidase-mimetic activity

Peroxidases are enzymes that use hydrogen peroxide to oxidize substrates such as 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ATBS). In this study, we showed that copper-tripeptide complexes ("cuzymes") also exhibited peroxidase-like activities. Different cuzymes could be formed by using various tripeptide ligands, such as GGG, GGH or HGG. However, the peroxidase-like activity of cuzymes depends on the sequence of the tripeptide (Cu-GGG > Cu-HGG > Cu-GGH). When ABTS was used as the substrate, the activity of Cu-GGG was 326 ± 1.5 U mg-1 which was 2.5 times higher than that of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Copper-tripeptide complexes were also used to degrade trypan blue dye. By using 0.2 mM Cu-GGG and 0.2% H2O2, 200 μM trypan blue could be degraded in 15 min at 50 °C. The degradation reaction followed second-order kinetics; the reaction rate was proportional to both H2O2 concentration and the copper-tripeptide concentration, but it was independent of the trypan blue concentration. Because copper-tripeptides catalyzed the oxidation reactions involving H2O2 effectively, they may have potential applications in biochemical assays and environmental remediation.

Detection of Cu2+ Ions with GGH Peptide Realized with Si-Nanoribbon ISFET

The presence of heavy metal ions such as copper in the human body at certain concentrations and specific conditions can lead to the development of different diseases. The currently available analytical detection methods remain expensive, time-consuming, and often require sample pre-treatment. The development of specific and quantitative, easy-in-operation, and cost-effective devices, capable of monitoring the level of Cu²⁺ ions in environmental and physiological media, is necessary. We use silicon nanoribbon (SiNR) ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) devices modified with a Gly-Gly-His peptide for the detection of copper ions in a large concentration range. The specific binding of copper ions causes a conformational change of the ligand, and a deprotonation of secondary amine groups. By performing differential measurements, we gain a deeper insight into the details of the ion-ligand interaction. We highlight in particular the importance of considering non-specific interactions to explain the sensors' response.

Copper Induced Conformational Changes of Tripeptide Monolayer Based Impedimetric Biosensor

Copper ions play a major role in biological processes. Abnormal Cu²⁺ ions concentrations are associated with various diseases, hence, can be used as diagnostic target. Monitoring copper ion is currently performed by non-portable, expensive and complicated to use equipment. We present a label free and a highly sensitive electrochemical ion-detecting biosensor based on a Gly-Gly-His tripeptide layer that chelate with Cu²⁺ ions. The proposed sensing mechanism is that the chelation results in conformational changes in the peptide that forms a denser insulating layer that prevents RedOx species transfer to the surface. This chelation event was monitored using various electrochemical methods and surface chemistry analysis and supported by theoretical calculations. We propose a highly sensitive ion-detection biosensor that can detect Cu²⁺ ions in the pM range with high SNR parameter.

Imprinting of metal receptors into multilayer polyelectrolyte films: fabrication and applications in marine antifouling

Polymeric films constructed using the layer-by-layer (LbL) fabrication process were employed as a platform for metal ion immobilization and applied as a marine antifouling coating. The novel Cu2+ ion imprinting process described is based on the use of metal ion templates and LbL multilayer covalent cross-linking. Custom synthesized, peptide mimicking polycations composed of histidine grafted poly(allylamine) (PAH) to bind metal ions, and methyl ester containing polyanions for convenient cross-linking were used in the fabrication process. Two methods of LbL film formation have been investigated using alternate polyelectrolyte deposition namely non-imprinted LbLA, and imprinted LbLB. Both LbL films were cross linked at mild temperature to yield covalent bridging of the layers for improved stability in a sea water environment. A comparative study of the non-imprinted LbLA films and imprinted LbLB films for Cu2+ ion binding capacity, leaching rate and stability of the films was performed. The results reveal that the imprinted films possess enhanced affinity to retain metal ions due to the preorganization of imidazole bearing histidine receptors. As a result the binding capacity of the films for Cu2+ could be improved by seven fold. Antifouling properties of the resulting materials in a marine environment have been demonstrated against the settlement of barnacle larvae, indicating that controlled release of Cu ions was achieved.

Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years 2004-2011

Herein, we present a survey of the literature covering the development of molecular imprinting science and technology over the years 2004-2011. In total, 3779 references to the original papers, reviews, edited volumes and monographs from this period are included, along with recently identified uncited materials from prior to 2004, which were omitted in the first instalment of this series covering the years 1930-2003. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by sections describing fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting including the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing efforts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Current trends and areas of rapid development are discussed.