Constructing multicomponent protein structures that match the complexity of those found in Nature is essential for the next generation of medical materials. In this report, a versatile method to precisely arrange multicomponent protein nanopatterns in two-dimensional single-layer or three-dimensional multilayer formats using electron beam lithography is described. Eight arm poly(ethylene glycol)s were modified at the chain ends with either biotin, maleimide, aminooxy, or nitrilotriacetic acid. Analysis by 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that the reactions were efficient and that end group conversions were 91-100%. The polymers were then cross-linked onto Si surfaces using electron beams to form micron sized patterns of the functional groups. Proteins with biotin binding sites, a free cysteine, an N-terminal α-oxoamide, and a histidine tag, respectively, were then incubated with the substrate in aqueous solutions without the addition of any other reagents. By fluorescence microscopy experiments it was determined that proteins reacted site-specifically with the exposed functional groups to form protein micropatterns. Multicomponent nanoscale protein patterns were then fabricated. Different PEGs with orthogonal reactivity were sequentially patterned on the same chip. Simultaneous assembly of two different proteins from a mixture of the biomolecules formed the multicomponent two dimensional patterns. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated that nanometer sized patterns of polymer were formed and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that side-by-side patterns of the different proteins were obtained. Moreover, multilayer PEG fabrication produced micron and nanometer sized patterns of one functional group on top of the other. Precise three-dimensional arrangements of different proteins were then realized.

Low polydispersity poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with a biotin end-group was obtained in one step from a biotinylated initiator for atom transfer radical polymerization and interacted with streptavidin to generate the thermosensitive polymer-protein conjugate.

The absorption characteristics and oral bioavailability of three tea catechins, namely (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), were assessed in this study. Male Sprague Dawley rats (210-230 g) received either an intravenous (i.v. 50 mg/kg) or oral (5000 mg/kg) dose of decaffeinated catechin-fraction containing EC (5%), EGCG (50%), and ECG (13%). Concentrations of the compounds in plasma, urine, and feces were measured using HPLC. A non-compartmental approach was employed for pharmacokinetic analysis. Results indicated that maximum plasma concentrations for the catechins (15-112 micrograms/ml) were achieved at 2 h post-oral dosing and the apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) ranged from 30 to 63 l/kg. Absolute bioavailability (F) of EC, EGCG, and ECG was assessed to be 0.39, 0.14, and 0.06, respectively. Estimates of terminal elimination half-life (t1/2, lambda z) of the catechins after oral dosing were 451-479 min and were 1.4-10 fold longer than those observed for the i.v. dosing. The discrepancy in terminal elimination and low rate and extent of absorption indicated the possibility of flip-flop kinetics. Respective urinary recoveries were 0.17-4.72% and 2.11-14.2% after oral and i.v. dosing. In conclusion, the low systemic availability of tea catechins observed could be a result of slow absorption, high first pass effect, and wide tissue distribution.