Noncovalent functionalization of a nanofibrous network with a bio-inspired heavy metal binding peptide

Abstract

Peptide–polymer nanofibrous networks can be developed to obtain hybrid systems providing both functionalities of peptides and stability and processability of the polymers. In this work, a bio-inspired heavy metal binding peptide was synthesized and noncovalently immobilized on water-insoluble electrospun hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin nanofibers (CDNF). The peptide functionalized hybrid nanofibers were able to bind to heavy metal ions and facilitated removal of metal ions from water. The peptide–polymer scavenging system has potential for development of further molecular recognition systems with various peptide sequences or host–guest inclusion complexes.