A Novel Copper-Binding Peptide That Self-Assembles Into a Transparent Antibacterial and Antiviral Coating

Abstract

The health, economy, and quality of life all over the world are greatly affected by bacterial infections and viral outbreaks. Bacterial cells and viruses, such as influenza, can spread through contaminated surfaces and fomites. Therefore, a possible way to fight these pathogens is to utilize antibacterial and antiviral coatings, which reduce their numbers on contaminated surfaces. Here, we present a novel short peptide that can self-assemble, adhere to various surfaces, and bind different metal ions such as copper, which provides the surface with antibacterial and antiviral properties. For these functions, the peptide incorporates the amino acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), which provides the peptide with adhesive capabilities; a diphenylalanine motif that induces the self-assembly of the peptide; the metal-binding hexahistidine sequence. Our results demonstrate that the coating, which releases monovalent cuprous ions and hydrogen peroxide, provides the surfaces with significant antibacterial and antiviral properties. Additionally, the coating remains transparent, which is favorable for many objects and especially for display screens.

Metal coordination governs the antimicrobial efficacy of calcitermin derivatives

“…This can be an option which deserves further in-depth studies, as reported for other antimicrobial peptides and their complexes. [42][43][44][45] More in detail, higher activity in the presence of metal ions with respect to the ligand itself (Table 5) is more evident for A7S/A8S and WT (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). The only exceptions are against the microorganism P. mirabilis, for which neither the peptide nor the metal/peptide systems are effective, and K. ozaenae for which the presence of Zn 2+ seems to decrease the antimicrobial activity.…”

“…This can be an option which deserves further in-depth studies, as reported for other antimicrobial peptides and their complexes. 42–45…”

Self-Assembly of a Dipeptide with a Reduced Amount of Copper into Antifungal and Antibacterial Particles

“…Peptides are of great promise as antimicrobial agents in agriculture due to their exceptional biocompatibility, low toxicity, and wide-ranging efficacy. − Additionally, specific peptides possess the ability to efficiently bind to metal, − potentially leading to a reduction in metal levels within the pesticide formulation.…”