Casein modified gold nanoparticles for future theranostic applications

The synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs 20. nm sized) modified with k-casein derived peptides in order to monitor the peptide effect as bacterial adhesion inhibitor, thanks to the carrier/concentrator effect of the AuNPs is here presented. Some aspects related to the stability of AuNP/peptide conjugates for a potential application in the design of an electrochemical biosensor for pathogen bacteria detection are also discussed. This peptide based nanoparticle assay takes advantage of the dual character of the AuNPs: as carrier of the biorecognition molecule and also as electrocatalytic label, allowing the evaluation of the pathogen bacteria-peptide interaction in a simple and rapid way through the chronoamperometric monitoring of the hydrogen evolution reaction on screen-printed carbon electrodes. The developed proof of concept theranostic system may open the way to therapeutic and biosensing applications with interest for various fields. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
We acknowledge MEC (Madrid) for the projects AGL2009-07328 and MAT2011-25870 and the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme's support under the project SfP983807.