High catalytic activity of gold nanoparticle-templated, tyrosine-rich peptide self-assemblies for 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine oxidation in the absence of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

In this study, gold nanoparticle-templated, tyrosine-rich peptide (YC7@AuNPs) self-assemblies were examined as peroxidase enzyme–mimic catalysts for the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and its activity was monitored by changing the reaction conditions such as pH, temperature, initial TMB concentration, and catalyst (Au) loading amount. The YC7@AuNPs catalysts were active for TMB oxidation even in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. Michaelis–Menten kinetic analysis showed that the YC7@AuNPs catalysts without hydrogen peroxide have activities comparable to other peroxidase–mimic catalysts using hydrogen peroxide in terms of the Michaelis constant.