Enhancing the biological activity of polyoxometalate-peptide nano-fibrils by spacer design

Polyoxometalates (POMs) and peptides can be conjugated to yield novel bio-hybrids with potential application as nanodrugs. However, the observed POM-induced folding of the peptide prevents its availability towards biological targets. An Anderson-Evans POM was functionalized with a bombesin analog peptide and engineered by adding a tailored hydrophilic and anionic spacer between the two moieties, to make the targeting sequence more accessible and enable an unprecedented cancer cell recognition capability.

Automated summary

Polyoxometalates (POMs) and peptides can be conjugated to form novel bio-hybrids with potential applications as nanodrugs. Functionalizing an Anderson-Evans POM with a bombesin analog peptide and adding a tailored spacer between the two moieties can enhance cancer cell recognition capability.