Binding of nanoparticle receptors to peptide α-helices using amino acid-functionalized nanoparticles

Rational Design of Functional Peptide-Gold Hybrid Nanomaterials for Molecular Interactions

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively used for decades in biosensing-related development due to outstanding optical properties. Peptides, as newly realized functional biomolecules, are promising candidates of replacing antibodies, receptors, and substrates for specific molecular interactions. Both peptides and AuNPs are robust and easily synthesized at relatively low cost. Hence, peptide-AuNP-based bio-nano-technological approaches have drawn increasing interest, especially in the field of molecular targeting, cell imaging, drug delivery, and therapy. Many excellent works in these areas have been reported: demonstrating novel ideas, exploring new targets, and facilitating advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Importantly, some of them also have been employed to address real practical problems, especially in remote and less privileged areas. This contribution focuses on the application of peptide-gold hybrid nanomaterials for various molecular interactions, especially in biosensing/diagnostics and cell targeting/imaging, as well as for the development of highly active antimicrobial/antifouling coating strategies. Rationally designed peptide-gold nanomaterials with functional properties are discussed along with future challenges and opportunities.

Nano meets biology: structure and function at the nanoparticle interface

Understanding the interactions of nanomaterials with biosystems is a critical goal in both biomedicine and environmental science. Engineered nanoparticles provide excellent tools for probing this interface. In this feature article, we will summarize one of the themes presented in our recent Langmuir lecture discussing the use of monolayer design to understand and control the interactions of nanoparticles with biomolecules and cells.