Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
06:48
Single-Molecule Measurement of Protein Interaction Dynamics Within Biomolecular Condensates
Published on: January 5, 2024
Xenon hydrate dissociation measurements with model protein systems
Ryan D Booker1, Carolyn A Koh, E Dendy Sloan
1Center for Hydrate Research, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|July 28, 2011
Summary
Protein storage is difficult. Xenon clathrate hydrate formation is minimally affected by common proteins like lysozyme and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), suggesting potential for protein preservation using gas hydrates.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Effective long-term storage of protein pharmaceuticals is a significant challenge.
- Gas hydrates, particularly clathrate hydrates, are being explored for novel storage applications.
- Understanding protein-clathrate interactions is crucial for developing stable protein formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of model protein solutions on xenon clathrate hydrate formation.
- To determine the equilibrium conditions and dissociation curves for xenon clathrate hydrates in the presence of proteins.
- To assess the impact of hydrate formation and dissociation on protein enzymatic activity.
Main Methods:
- Calorimetry measurements were used to study xenon clathrate hydrate formation.
- Experiments were conducted at pressures ranging from 3 to 20 bar.
- Model protein solutions (lysozyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)), sucrose, and l-histidine buffer were used.
Main Results:
- Sucrose showed a small inhibition effect on xenon hydrate formation (15-26% decrease in water conversion).
- Lysozyme and l-histidine did not substantially inhibit hydrate formation.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) caused minor shifts in the dissociation curve but did not significantly alter water conversion.
- Preliminary tests indicated small decreases in LDH enzymatic activity after hydrate formation/dissociation cycles.
Conclusions:
- Model proteins like lysozyme and LDH do not significantly inhibit xenon clathrate hydrate formation or extent.
- Sucrose exhibits a mild inhibitory effect on xenon hydrate formation.
- Gas hydrate systems show potential for protein storage with minimal impact on hydrate formation, though minor effects on enzymatic activity warrant further investigation.
