Design, synthesis, and evaluation of peptidyl fluorescent probe for Zn2+ in aqueous solution

A new fluorescent peptide probe for the detection of Zn2+ was synthesized on the basis of zinc binding ligands in zinc enzymes. The peptide that has a unique amino acid sequence displayed a great selectivity for Zn2+ in the presence of several transition metal ions in aqueous solution. The reversibility, binding stoichiometry, binding affinity, and pH sensitivity of the sensor were studied. Further, on-bead application of the peptide as chemosensors was demonstrated.