Protein Localization in Silica Nanospheres Derived via Biomimetic Mineralization

Abstract

Lysozyme‐templated precipitation of silica synthesized by sol‐gel chemistry produces a composite material with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the structural properties of the composite material that allow for retention of the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy reveal that the composite has a hierarchical structure composed of quasi‐spherical structures (∼450 nm diameter), which are in turn composed of closely packed spherical structures of ∼8–10 nm in diameter. Using small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) with contrast variation, the scattering signatures of the lysozyme and silica within the composite were separated. It was determined that the lysozyme molecules are spatially correlated in the material and form clusters with colloidal silica particles. The size of the clusters determined by SANS agrees well with the structural architecture observed by TEM. BET analysis revealed that the surface area of the composite is relatively low (4.73 m2/g). However, after removal of the protein by heating to 200 °C, the surface area is increased by ∼20%. In addition to demonstrating a well organized sol‐gel synthesis which generates a functional material with antimicrobial applications, the analysis and modeling approaches described herein can be used for characterizing a wide range of mesoporous and ultrastructural materials.

Silica–Maltose Composites: Obtaining Drug Carrier Systems Through Tailored Ultrastructural Nanoparticles

“…7a) observed with SEM, whereas at high q , the scattering signature is interpreted as the size of the elementary silica particles (Fig. 7b) as described earlier 43. In this structural model, we suggest that maltose molecules fill the interstitial space between elementary silica particles.…”

“…7b) as described earlier. 43 In this structural model, we suggest that maltose molecules fill the interstitial space between elementary silica particles. This interpretation is even supported by S BET results (Fig.…”

Enzyme‐Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Efficient Antibacterial Agents In Vivo

“…Previously, scientists have demonstrated that the stability of an enzyme/protein conjugate is enhanced by immobilization on the surface of nanomaterials 49–52. Also, we found that the biological activity of biomolecules can be elevated by controlling their orientation and density on the surface of nanoparticles 53, 54.…”

Gradients in Wall Mechanics and Polysaccharides along Growing Inflorescence Stems

“…The degree of correlation distance between the correlated particles was analyzed using the unified fit approach, as described previously (Stribeck, 2007;Cardoso et al, 2010). The correlation effect is incorporated into the general scattering intensity description as follows :…”