RGD is a tripeptide composed of L-arginine, glycine, and L-aspartic acid. So, we have a (-NH2) group and 2 (-COOH) groups.
In almost all the articles I've come crossed, they used carboxylated nanoparticle for RGD conjugation.
Now, my question is why? why isn't amine functionalized group not used?
Will conjugation still happens if I apply amine functionalized nanoparticles as well?
I am assuming there should be a drawback with this procedure, which might be due to the structure of this tripeptide.
Maybe carboxyl activation of RGD by EDC/NHS leads to self bonding of the peptide; thus decreasing the rate of (amine functionalized) nano particle conjugation?
Any insight would be much appreciated,
Conjugation of peptides onto the surface of the particles in such systems is usually achieved via formation of amide bonds. The reason in using carboxylate function is that the carboxylate in the RGD peptide itself is deprotonated with the protons transferred to the Arginine unit. It is then the carboxylic acid residues on the particles that link to the arginine function. The use of amino functionalized particles will aim at binding to the aspartic acid function. This is apparently also possible, but might potentially result in cyclization of the peptide without binding to the particles.
Conjugation of peptides onto the surface of the particles in such systems is usually achieved via formation of amide bonds. The reason in using carboxylate function is that the carboxylate in the RGD peptide itself is deprotonated with the protons transferred to the Arginine unit. It is then the carboxylic acid residues on the particles that link to the arginine function. The use of amino functionalized particles will aim at binding to the aspartic acid function. This is apparently also possible, but might potentially result in cyclization of the peptide without binding to the particles.
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