One-Step fabrication of bioinspired Peptide-Functionalized ice surface for bioanalysis

Abstract

Solid surfaces modified with functional biomolecules that can selectively capture specific molecules play a crucial role in physical science and biomedical research. However, convenient biomolecule-modified materials are still faced with problems such as harsh synthesis conditions and time-consuming functionalization processes. As an easy-to-prepare solid substance, ice, holds the potential to be developed as an excellent functional material, but its inert nature hampers efficient functionalization with biomolecules. In this study, drawing inspiration from anti-freeze organisms in nature, we endow ice with biorecognition ability by leveraging the natural non-covalent binding between peptides and ice. By exploiting ice as a substrate modified with functional biomolecules, we demonstrate advantages such as high accessibility, one-step modification, and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional biomolecule-modified materials. Additionally, the temperature-controlled melting of ice offers a facile way to release captured biomolecules while maintaining their activity for further studies. The feature is further applied in protein assays, exhibiting satisfactory selectivity and quantitative capabilities with a minimum detectable concentration of approximately 0.1 ng/mL. Overall, our strategy to endow ice with desired biological functions provides a new tool for investigation in physical science and broader applications in the field of biomedicine.