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Hemoglobin protein hollow shells fabricated through covalent layer-by-layer technique
Li Duan1, Qiang He, Xuehai Yan
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), International Joint Lab, CAS Key Lab of Colloid and Interface Science, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhong Guan Cun, Bei Yi Jie No 2, Beijing 100080, China.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|January 24, 2007
Summary
Researchers created hemoglobin (Hb) protein microcapsules using a covalent layer-by-layer technique. These microcapsules maintain Hb
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Protein-based microcapsules offer unique properties for various applications.
- Controlling the fabrication and maintaining the functionality of protein microstructures is crucial.
- Hemoglobin's heme group provides inherent electroactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate stable hemoglobin (Hb) protein microcapsules using a covalent layer-by-layer (LbL) technique.
- To characterize the structure and confirm the presence of Hb within the microcapsules.
- To assess the retained heme electroactivity and permeability of the fabricated microcapsules.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of glutaraldehyde (GA)/Hb microcapsules via covalent LbL assembly on colloid templates.
- Characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM).
- Spectroscopic (UV-Vis) and electrochemical (CV, amperometry) analyses to confirm Hb presence and electroactivity.
- Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) experiments to evaluate permeability.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated monodisperse GA/Hb microcapsules through Schiff base reaction.
- TEM and CLSM confirmed the spherical structure and presence of Hb.
- UV-Vis spectra verified Hb incorporation.
- Electrochemical methods demonstrated retained heme electroactivity and direct electron transfer.
- FRAP indicated improved permeability compared to conventional polyelectrolyte microcapsules.
Conclusions:
- Covalent LbL assembly is effective for creating stable hemoglobin microcapsules.
- The fabricated microcapsules retain their heme electroactivity, enabling direct electron transfer.
- Hemoglobin microcapsules exhibit enhanced permeability, suggesting potential for advanced applications.
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