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Quantification of silk protein using phage nanofibers with high binding specificity
Lu Ma1, Tao Yang1, Mengmeng Zhai2
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, P. R. China.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 24, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a sensitive method to detect silk sericin (SS) using phage nanofibers. This new technique allows for ultrasensitive quantification of SS in solutions, with potential applications for other proteins.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Silk sericin (SS) is a vital silk protein with applications in medicine and textiles.
- Existing methods lack the sensitivity required for accurate SS detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sensitive and specific method for quantifying silk sericin (SS) in dilute aqueous solutions.
- To utilize phage nanofibers as a novel probe for protein detection.
Main Methods:
- Discovered a silk sericin-binding peptide and engineered phage nanofibers (SS-phage) displaying this peptide.
- Employed SS-phage nanofibers to bind SS from solutions.
- Quantified SS-phage binding via a titering assay, counting bacterial plaques.
Main Results:
- The engineered peptide demonstrated high specificity, differentiating SS from silk fibroin.
- Achieved a detection limit of 19.50 ng/mL for SS quantification.
- Developed a rapid, naked-eye detectable method for SS concentration determination.
Conclusions:
- Phage nanofibers provide a sensitive and specific platform for silk sericin detection.
- The phage-based counting strategy offers a facile method for protein quantification.
- This approach has potential for detecting various other proteins.
