Membrane-bound biomolecules

Implicit membrane models have been used successfully in simulation of membrane proteins [9] and in folding studies of membrane-bound peptides [88-90]. Furthermore, applications of implicit membrane models as scoring functions and in MMGB/SA-type free energy calculations for membrane-bound biomolecules are conceivable [91]. 

Measurement of the kinetic rates and surface diffusion of reversibly bound biomolecules at flattened biological and model membrane surfaces and at specifically derivatized glass surfaces (e.g., with immobilized enzymes). 

Advances in NMR spectrometer and probe technology and in solid-state NMR methods, along with development of new pulse sequences have opened up the biomolecular NMR field to the study of membrane-bound proteins and large molecular weight (MW > 50 kDa) systems. In addition, studies of low-sensitivity nuclei are expected to gain in popularity as the appropriate technical and experimental expertise is developed and refined. Another important area concerns developments in protein engineering that allow preparation of biomolecules isotopically labeled either uniformly or at particular sites. The rapid and continuing development of these... 

Lipids are a diverse group of biomolecules that are known to exist as thousands of distinct covalent entities, each with its nniqne stmctnral and physical characteristics. Lipids are essential cellular constituents that have multiple distinct roles in cellular functions. They participate in the storage of energy, cell-ceU communication, cell-cell recognition, and various human diseases. They provide a barrier that separates intracellular and extracellular compartments and a matrix for the interactions of membrane-bound proteins. 

This modification could be made by plasma polymerization wherein a thin, highly cross-linked and pin hole free film of filler free silicone polymer could be added onto a variety of substrate materials in order to prepare improved blood compatible surfaces (1). Alternatively, gaseous plasma could be used to add new chemical groups to a material surface which could then be used for attaching a variety of biomolecules. By anhydrous ammonia plasma, amino groups can be added to the surface of polypropylene membranes or to the surface of polypropylene beads. These amino groups can then be employed to bind albumin to polypropylene as was done in our previous work in which a quantitative measure of bound protein was... 

Entrapment in polymeric gels prevents the biomolecules from diffusing from the reaction mixture. On the other hand, small substrate and effector molecules can easily permeate. Gel entrapment is a milder procedure than adsorption, that is, the biomolecules are not covalently bound to the matrix, membrane or to each other. The method is therefore... 

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