Bio-inspired and peptide-based methods represent new approaches for the fabrication and activation of sustainable materials. These structures are typically prepared and operate under ambient and green conditions and could be used as model systems to study structure/function relationships. Many of these nanostructures employ materials binding peptides that recognize and bind target inorganic nanomaterials, resulting in peptide-capped metallic nanoparticles, where their surface structure could be important for their overall functionality. To study this critically important biotic/abiotic interface, we have employed high-resolution characterization methods of the materials throughout the synthetic process. The results indicate that peptide-metal ion interactions prior to nanoparticle formation are highly important in controlling the synthetic mechanism. Furthermore, our results indicate that the peptide sequence is also significant in controlling the recognition event where minor changes could have dramatic implications on the activity of the nanoparticles.

Exploring peptides for nanomaterial fabrication and activation

245th National Meeting (2013)

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