Table 2.

Methods for generation of phage-peptide fusions.

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Cloning in phage vector	Uses standard cloning techniques Does not require a selection target or a phage display library Phage clones are well defined molecularly Phage clones remain viable for extended periods when properly stored	Nucleotide sequence encoding fusion peptide must be known Size and composition of fusion peptide depend on phage vector Phage clones can be genetically unstable and/or have low propagation rate, depending on phage vector, size and composition of fusion peptide
Selection from phage display library	Selection procedure is relatively simple Phage clones are genetically stable and propagate well Phage clones are well defined molecularly Phage clones remain viable for extended periods when properly stored	Selection target has to be available and well characterized Appropriate phage display library has to be available
Chemical conjugation to phage coat proteins	Uses standard conjugation chemistries Flexible as to size and composition of fusion peptides Relatively chemically stable if stored properly	Number of fusion peptide copies per phage particle varies between batches Conjugation sites of fusion peptides are not specific