Author:
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Nir, Sivan; Zanuy Gomara, David; Zada, Tal; Agazani, Omer; Alemán Llansó, Carlos; Shalev, Deborah E.; Reches, Meital
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Abstract:
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The accumulation of bacteria on surfaces is currently one of the greatest concerns f or the supply
of proper health, water
and energy. Here, we describe the mechanism by which a single peptide forms two
pH-dependent supramolecular particles that resist bacterial contamination. By using NMR and
molecular dynamics ( MD), we determined the structures of the peptide monomers and showed the
forces directing the self-assembly of each structure under different conditions. These peptide
assemblies change the characteristics of bare gla s and confer it with the ability to
prevent biofilm formation. Furthermore, they can adsorb and re ease active compounds as
demonstrated with an anticancer drug, antibiotic and enzyme. This synergism and the detailed
understanding of the proces ses are necessary for developing new sterile surfaces for health-care
systems, water puri ication devices, food packaging or any environment that suffers from
biocontamination. |