Rationally Designed Peptide Interface for Potential Modulated Cell Adhesion and Migration

Conformational changes of peptides are critically important in the control of their biological activities. Here, a quaternary ammonium group-terminated RGD-containing peptide (RGD-NMe3) is designed, which may undergo reversible conformational switch upon different electrochemical potentials. Potential responsive peptide interfaces are constructed on gold substrates with RGD-NMe3 in a tetra (ethylene glycol) background. It is demonstrated that by applying positive and negative potentials, the RGD peptide can be reversibly switched between linear and cyclic conformation, which can be used in reversible controlling of cell adhesion/migration on the interface. Furthermore, by combining microfluidics, adhesion of the cells in specific areas on the surface and subsequent directional migration of the cells can be controlled. It is believed that this straightforward potential modulation mechanism for peptide conformation control may find a wide use in design responsive peptide interfaces.