The expression of peptides on phage coat proteins via genetic engineering was first achieved in 1985 [1] and was followed by the construction of phage display combinatorial libraries in 1990 [2].  Phage display combinatorial libraries have been used not only to find peptides that interact with various biomolecules such as receptors, antibodies, enzyme active sites, and protein surfaces, but also to find peptides with affinity for metals and plastics and with function in non-biological environments [3].

In this study, we have challenged a cyclic heptamer phage display library with surfaces adenine functionalised surfaces with the aim of identifying peptide motifs selective for adenine. The synthesis and characterisation of surfaces, and results from phage display screening shall be presented.

[1] Smith, G.P. Science (1985) 228, 1315-1317.

[2] Scott, J.K.; Smith, G.P. Science (1990) 249, 386-390.

[3] Olofsson, L.; Söderberg, P.; Ankarloo, J.; Nicholls, I.A. J. Mol. Recognit. (2008) 19, 18-25.