Surface Display of $Poly(His)_n$ on the Escherichia coli using OmpC as Surface Anchoring Motif

A novel cell surface display system was developed by employing the Escherichia coli outer membrane protein C (OmpC) as an anchoring motif. Poly-histidine (poly-His) peptides of 19, 32, 45, 84, and 162 amino acids (aa) could be successfully displayed by inserting them into the seventh exposed loop(L7) of OmpC. Recombinant cells displaying poly-His of 19, 32, 45, and 84 aa could absorb 18.9, 23.9, 26.1, and 32.0 ${\mu}mol$ of $Cd^{2+}$ per gram cell dry weight, respectively and therefore, would be useful as the biosorbents of heavy metals.