Biomolecules at Interfaces

Abstract

Biomolecules such as proteins, peptides, amino acids, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids tend to reside at interfaces. This simple fact carries immense consequences in nature and affords substantial opportunities in biotechnology. In this article, several important technological applications and intriguing intellectual challenges that motivate the study of biomolecules at interfaces are introduced. Significant discussion is directed toward applications in biomaterials and biosensors, and open questions on issues of irreversibility and history‐dependent behavior are addressed. In addition, a number of theoretical tools and experimental methods critical to advancing the study of biomolecules at interfaces are presented. Theoretical descriptions at the site, particle, colloidal, polymer, and atomistic level—as well as optical, piezoelectric, and scanning probe experimental techniques—are described and speculation is made upon their potential to broaden our application and/or deepen our understanding of biomolecules at interfaces.

Surface Treatment of Polymeric Materials Controlling the Adhesion of Biomolecules

“…Hence, it is rarely a problem of how to achieve the adsorption of proteins to a surface, but rather how to prevent it. Although the mechanisms of adsorption are not fully understood, there are a few physicochemical characteristics known that influence these phenomena [ 14 , 15 ]: characteristics of the protein (size, stability, concentration, functionalities and protein-protein interactions); the support’s surface free energy (hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and polarity); the surface charge and related electrostatic interactions; chemical nature, thickness, density and mobility of surface functional groups; micro and nano topography features and roughness; time dependant unfolding; Vroman’s effect; biological surrounding (pH, salts, temperature, etc .).…”

Obtención de arreglos regulares metálicos sobre superficies de sistemas nanopartícula-proteína y su aplicación en catálisis

“…Aunque los mecanismos de adsorción de las proteínas sobre las superficies poliméricas no se comprenden completamente, se conocen algunas características fisicoquímicas que influyen en estos fenómenos [Nakanishi et al, 2001;Van Tassel, 2003]. Estas se relacionan con las características de la proteína (tamaño, estabilidad, concentración, funcionalidades e interacciones proteína-proteína); la energía libre superficial del soporte (balance hidrofílico/hidrofóbico y polaridad); la carga superficial y las interacciones electrostáticas relacionadas; naturaleza química, espesor, densidad y movilidad de los grupos funcionales superficiales; micro y nano topografías y rugosidades; despliegue en el tiempo; efecto de la adsorción competitiva; entorno (pH, sales, temperatura, etc.).…”