Grant K. Walkup

Peptidyl chemosensors incorporating a fret mechanism for detection of Ni(II)

Hexapeptides incorporating two fluorophores flanking a tripeptide sequence that binds Ni(II) and Cu(II) with high affinity have been synthesized. While Cu(II) quenches the fluorescence of the resulting peptides, coordination of Ni(II) enables enhanced FRET (fluorescent resonance energy transfer) from one fluorophore to the other.

Peptide platforms for metal ion sensing

Naturally occurring motifs have been redesigned to product fluorescent peptidyl-chemosensors that sensitively and selectively recognize Cu(II) or Fe(III). The modular nature of peptide architecture allows preparation and evaluation of potential sensors on solid supports.