Application of Peptides-Metal Chelates Conjugation
- For molecular imaging
Molecular imaging has become an indispensable tool in modern diagnostics in biomedical research and therapeutic fields. Cancer cells that express or overexpress specific receptors has lead to the development of synthetic peptides that target these receptors. Peptides conjugated to metal chelates (e.g, DOTA, NOTA, etc.) offer an attractive approach for both imaging of cancer tissues and as therapies that deliver cytotoxic cargo to cancer cells.
- As metal ion supplement
Promoting metal ion absorption is one of the most important functions of Peptides-Metal Chelates Conjugation. In organism, the bioavailability of chelate iron is higher than that of inorganic iron. The reason is that the chelates in the form of carriers enable iron ions located at the center of the ring structure to pass smoothly through the brushing edge of the intestinal mucosa, thus promoting the absorption, transport and utilization of iron.
- As antioxidant or bacteriostatic agents
After chelating peptides from different sources with metal ions, the chelates obtained were higher than those of unchelated peptides in antioxidation, antimicrobial activity or other special biological activities, or the chelates obtained some biological activities which were not found in unchelated peptides. Since peptides, one of the raw materials of chelates, come from natural animal and plant proteins, there is almost no safety problem. Therefore, chelates as antioxidants or bacteriostatic agents have great advantages and prospects in food, cosmetics and other industries.
