Synthesis of nitrilotriacetic acid terminated tethers for the binding of His-tagged proteins to lipid bilayers and to gold

Nitrilotriacetic acid terminated tethers for trapping of His-tagged proteins have been synthesized and characterized. Compound 1, containing a lipophilic cholesterol anchor, hydrophilic oligoethoxy chain linker, and nitrilotriacetic acid terminus, can be used for attaching His-tagged proteins to phospholipid bilayers. Compound 2, containing a gold binding thioacetate anchor, hydrophilic oligoethoxy chain, and nitrilotriacetic acid terminus, can be used to tether His-tagged proteins to a gold surface.