Protein-surface interactions nanostructures

The non-specific adsorption of proteins on carbon nanotubes is an interesting phenomenon but represents a relatively less controllable mode of protein-CNT interaction. Moreover, in non-covalent immobilization process, the immobilized protein is in equilibrium between the surface of the carbon nanotubes and the solution and can therefore be gradually detached from the nano-material surface, a phenomenon called protein leakage [127]. To prevent the leaching of enzymes, covalent bonds have been used to attach the enzyme molecules to the nanostructured materials, which lead to more robust and predictable conjugation. Experimental evidences prove that proteins can be immobilized either in their hollow cavity or on the surface of carbon nanotubes [130]. 

Surface Molecular Engineering for Controlled Protein Interaction Nanostructured Surfaces Self-Assembled Systems Summary... 

Knowledge about protein folding and conformation in biological systems can be used to mimic the design of a desired nanostructure conformation from a particular MBB and to predict the ultimate conformation of the nanostructure [152]. Such biomimetic nano-assembly is generally performed step by step. This wiU allow observation of the effect of each new MBB on the nanostructure. As a result, it is possible to control accurate formation of the desired nanostmcture. Biomimetic controlled and directed assembly can be utilized to investigate molecular interactions, molecular modeling, and study of relationships between the composition of MBBs and the final conformation of the nanostmctures. Immobilization of molecules on a surface could facilitate such studies [153]. 

Here we demonstrate the combination of LSPR with interferometry using a gold-coated porous anodic alumina (PAA) layer chip for the detection of aptamer-protein interactions (Figure 7.6). Recently, we have employed this device for the detection of DNA hybridization (Kim et al., 2007). Gold deposition on the surface of the PAA layer chip enables the formation of a novel nanomaterial, which we called gold-capped oxide nanostructures. One of... 

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