Water-soluble squaramide functionalised peptides for sulfate recognition in aqueous media

Key Points

• The aim is to develop peptide-based receptors that can effectively bind sulfate ions in water.
• Synthesis of short peptide backbones with squaramide units and triethyleneglycol components.
• Evaluation of water solubility of the functionalised peptides.
• Assessment of anion binding properties with a focus on sulfate ions.
• The synthesized peptides showed significant water solubility.
• Functionalised peptides effectively recognize and bind sulfate ions in aqueous media.