In the research described here, we chemically functionalize gold surfaces with peptides of known secondary structure.  These surfaces are chemically characterized through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and surface infrared spectroscopy.  Furthermore, we use surface infrared and circular dichroic spectroscopies to characterize the structure and orientation of the peptide on the surface.  We demonstrate that correctly functionalized surfaces induce a alpha-helical secondary structure on a peptide that is disordered in solution. Demonstration of the control over a desired secondary structure of helical elements at a chemically functionalized surface is an important advance in preparing robust biologically mimetic surfaces and is expected to lead to an entirely new mechanism through which biological and inorganic materials can be coaxed to interact.

Characterization of the secondary structure of surface-bound peptides

245th National Meeting (2013)

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