Dynamic Thin Laminar Flow Method for Making Protein Monolayers

Abstract

This paper describes a new way to make protein monolayers rapidly. This process reduces the protein contact time at the air−water interface, which subsequently prevents structural alteration. High-speed protein monolayer preparations are obtained by confining proteins in a thin laminar flow liquid film at various speeds. A prototype made of a rotating glass cylinder compressing cytochrome P450scc validated this method. The cytochrome P450 monolayers were verified by optical microscopy, TEM, STM, and AFM. Possible protein 1D crystallites were observed. A rate of protein monolayer preparation up to 2 cm/s was easily obtained. This method is suitable for continuous protein monolayer production and fine particle coating.

Fine Particle 2D Crystals Prepared by the Dynamic Thin Laminar Flow Method

“…For 2D crystals, the rate of the monolayer preparation was slowed down in order to increase the 2D crystal proportions. With nanoparticles an optical microscope was used . However, in spite of this approximation, the values clearly give an idea concerning the mechanisms acting in the DTLF method.…”

“…A new method for making protein monolayers called dynamic thin laminar flow (DTLF) was recently presented. , It is based on a new approach, devised for high speed preparation. Essentially, the particles are funneled into a moving thin liquid film, which is only a few micrometers thick.…”

Fine Particle Monolayers Made by a Mobile Dynamic Thin Laminar Flow (DTLF) Device

“…A schematic view of the mobile DTLF device is presented in Figure . The principles governing the method have already been described. − The major improvement is the ability of the DTLF method to prepare and lay down monolayers onto a solid surface while traveling over it. The manner in which the monolayer is laid down depends on the hydroaffinity of the surface.…”

“…The dynamic thin laminar flow (DTLF) method for making monolayers and fine particle 2D crystals based on an original principle has recently been published. − Essentially, it consists of reducing the particle electrostatic forces in a 5-μm thick laminar flow driven by a rotating glass cylinder until adsorption occurs at the air−water interface. Thus the thin flow carries the adsorbed particles for several millimeters up to compression against a growing monolayer, where self-organization at the molecular scale yields the expected 2D formations.…”

“…Thus the thin flow carries the adsorbed particles for several millimeters up to compression against a growing monolayer, where self-organization at the molecular scale yields the expected 2D formations. However, the transfer onto a solid substrate is executed through a delicate process of laterally sliding the newly prepared monolayer over a hydrophilic surface coated with a thin liquid film, which restricts the use of this method to protein 2D crystal formation …”