Synthetic insect antifreeze peptides modify ice crystal growth habit†
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins modify the growth of ice crystals. We present a rational approach towards the design of short peptide analogues of the 8.7 kDa disulfide-bridged β-helical hyperactive insect antifreeze protein. Our synthetic peptides bind and modify the shape of ice crystals, and show enhanced antifreeze activity with the addition of citrate.