Identification of a highly specific hydroxyapatite-binding peptide using phage display

A peptide sequence SVSVGMKPSPRP that selectively recognizes hydroxyapatite (HA) is identified by using a phage display approach. The engineered sequence exhibits chemical and structural specificity for HA over calcium carbonate and HA's amorphous calcium phosphate precursor. In situ binding to HA in a tooth cross section further demonstrates the sequence specificity and utility in nondestructive imaging applications.