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Capillarity effects on crystallization kinetics: insulin.

Ilya Reviakine1, Dimitra K Georgiou, Peter G Vekilov

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204-4004, USA.

Journal of the American Chemical Society
|September 18, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Capillarity governs crystal layer generation, with the 2D capillary length (L(c)) influencing layer growth rates. This study confirms L(c) scales growth step density in porcine insulin crystallization, with longer steps growing independently of length.

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Area of Science:

  • Crystallization Science
  • Surface Physics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Capillarity is crucial for layerwise crystal growth, influencing new layer generation.
  • Theoretical models link layer edge line tension and 2D capillary length (L(c)) to layer generation and growth rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between the 2D capillary length (L(c)) and the rate of layer generation during crystal growth.
  • To experimentally validate theoretical predictions regarding the role of L(c) in crystal growth kinetics.

Main Methods:

  • In situ Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy (TM-AFM) was employed to study crystal growth.
  • The crystallization of rhombohedral (R3) porcine insulin was investigated due to its suitable linear step growth kinetics.

Main Results:

  • The 2D capillary length (L(c)) was identified as the primary scaling factor for growth step density.
  • Steps longer than L(c) exhibited growth rates dependent solely on supersaturation, independent of their length.
  • Kinetic coefficients were measured, comparable to inorganic systems, indicating high supersaturation in protein crystallization.

Conclusions:

  • Experimental evidence supports the theoretical role of L(c) in scaling growth step density.
  • Deviations from theory in step growth rates at high supersaturation were observed and explained.
  • The study provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing protein crystal growth.