The pentapeptide KDDDD-OH (KD4) was found to inhibit the growth of bacteria. The physical stability and secondary structure of KD4 were investigated in the presence of zinc and copper ions. The concentrations of the metal ions and temperature varied. Infrared spectroscopy was used to examine changes in secondary structure content while TEM was used to examine the morphological differences. Turbidity measurements were performed to monitor the aggregation process. The amide I band of free KD4 shifted from 1650 cm-1 to 1670 cm-1 over time. The �-sheet content was raised in heat. Upon Zn ions addition, the �-sheet content increased from 20% to 80%, with concomitant increase in turbidity values. Cu ions induced an increase in a-helix structure content. Zn and Cu ions were found to have a different effect on the aggregation process of KD4. TEM showed that the aggregates of KD4 and KD4-Zn have different morphological characteristics

Aggregation properties of a short peptide in the presence of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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