Abstract
Type 1 fimbriae are surface organelles of Escherichia coli. By
engineering a structural component of the fimbriae, FimH, to
display a random peptide library, we were able to isolate
metal-chelating bacteria. A library consisting of 4 x 10(7)
independent clones was screened for binding to ZnO. Sequences
responsible for ZnO adherence were identified, and distinct
binding motifs were characterized. The sequences selected
exhibited various degrees of affinity and specificity towards ZnO.
Competitive binding experiments revealed that the sequences
recognized only the oxide form of Zn. Interestingly, one of the
inserts exhibited significant homology to a specific sequence in a
putative zinc-containing helicase, which suggests that searches
such as this one may aid in identifying binding motifs in nature.
The zinc-binding bacteria might have a use in detoxification of
metal-polluted water
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Applied and Environmental Microbiology |
| Volume | 66 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 10-14 |
| Publication status | Published - 2000 |
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