Adsorption of Biomolecules at Interfaces
Neutron Radiography used for Fuel Cell Diagnostics
Project details
The interaction of proteins with surfaces can lead to adsorption and aggregation of the molecules at the interface, which depending on the interaction can lead to protein unfolding and destruction of the protein functionality. On the other hand proteins can re-crystallize at surfaces and be embedded and functionalised to construct biocompatible surfaces or bio sensors [1,2]. In order to exploit the related physics behind this processes for the dedicated development of novel biocompatible surfaces or nano-scaled biochips it is of principal interest to study the general principals of protein adsorption and organisation at interfaces. Adsorption and organisation towards solid-liquid interfaces with and without specific or functional coatings have to be studied.
Surface coatings with polyelectrolytes, polymers or surfactants are basic approaches to construct biocompatible surfaces. The investigation of the internal structure after deposition and behavior in-situ towards bio-molecules is a basic requirement, which can be obtained by neutron reflectometry [3]. The deposition of phospholipid mono- and bilayers on polyelectrolyte [4] or polymer [5] coatings is one topic to be investigated in a first step before the interaction of single proteins or protein complexes is considered. Such systems could lead to new insights on the one hand into the interaction of proteins with interfaces and on the other hand to novel protein coated surfaces applicable as specific and targeted drug carrier systems.
References
References
- [1] U.B. Sleytr, M. Sara, Trends Biotechnol. 15, 20-26 (1997)
- [2] C. Curschellas, J. Kohlbrecher, Th. Geue, P. Fischer, B. Schmitt, M. Rouvet, E. Windhab and H.J. Limbach, "Foams Stabilized by Multilamellar Polyglycerol Ester Self-Assemblies", Langmuir 29, 38-49 (2013)
- [3] T. Gutberlet, M. Lösche, in Neutron Scattering in Biology, J. Fitter et al. (Eds.), Springer, Berlin, pp. 283-306 (2006)
- [4] C. Delajon, T. Gutberlet, R. Steitz, H. Möhwald, R. Krastev, Langmuir 21, 8509-8514 (2005)
- [5] T. Gutberlet, B. Klösgen, R. Krastev, R. Steitz, Adv. Engin. Mat. 6, 832-836 (2004)