Design and optimization of bifunctional peptides for controlled core-shell nanocapsule formation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Core-shell nanocapsules have diverse applications.
• Biomimetic templating offers a sustainable method for nanostructure synthesis via biomineralization.
• Bifunctional peptides can be designed for controlled interfacial biosilicification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the design and functionality of bifunctional peptides for controlled interfacial biosilicification.
• To compare the surface activity, structural behavior, and biosilicification capability of five designed peptides.
• To understand the influence of peptide properties on silica nanoparticle formation and nanocapsule synthesis.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of five bifunctional peptides.
• Evaluation of peptide surface activity, adsorption kinetics, and interfacial tension.
• Biosilicification assays under benign conditions to assess nanoparticle morphology.
• Analysis of peptide charge and ionic strength effects on electrostatic interactions with silicic acid.

Main Results:

• AM1 and SurSi-G1 peptides exhibited rapid adsorption and high surface activity.
• SurSi and its variants showed slower adsorption and high interfacial tension due to higher molecular charge.
• Peptide charge significantly influenced silica nanoparticle morphology: SurSi and SurSi-R3 produced well-dispersed nanoparticles, while others formed aggregates.
• Low ionic strength and sufficient peptide surface charge promoted controlled biosilicification.

Conclusions:

• Peptide sequence and charge distribution are critical for surface activity and interfacial biosilicification.
• Optimized electrostatic interactions between peptides and silicic acid enable precise core-shell nanocapsule formation.
• Findings provide insights for designing peptides to control nanocapsule synthesis for various applications.