What is it about?
This study developed short elastin-like peptide analogues that self-assemble in response to temperature changes and capture toxic metals. AADAAC-F4, created by attaching a Cd²⁺-binding sequence (AADAAC) to a short elastin-like peptide (F4), showed strong coacervation enhanced by Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺. Turbidity, ICP-MS, and calorimetry confirmed its ability to bind metals with high affinity, while simple acid treatment allowed regeneration and reuse without loss of function.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Cadmium pollution poses severe health and environmental risks, but existing removal methods are costly and inefficient. The designed AADAAC-F4 peptide provides a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative. Its thermoresponsive self-assembly enables easy collection of metal-loaded aggregates, and its recyclability ensures sustainable use in water treatment.
Perspectives
Metal-binding elastin-like peptides such as AADAAC-F4 offer a versatile platform for green remediation. By combining thermoresponsive coacervation with engineered binding motifs, these peptides can be tailored for selective recovery of various metals. This approach supports scalable, low-impact technologies for wastewater treatment, resource recycling, and environmental protection.
Prof Takeru Nose
Kyushu Daigaku
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Metal ion scavenging activity of elastin-like peptide analogues containing a cadmium ion binding sequence, Scientific Reports, February 2022, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05695-w.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
