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Soft nanotube hydrogels functioning as artificial chaperones
Naohiro Kameta1, Mitsutoshi Masuda, Toshimi Shimizu
1Nanotube Research Center (NTRC), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan. n-kameta@aist.go.jp
ACS Nano
|May 24, 2012
Summary
This study demonstrates nanotube hydrogels acting as artificial chaperones. These hydrogels encapsulate and refold denatured proteins, with release triggered by pH changes, showcasing potential for protein recovery and supramolecular nanotechnology applications.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Chemically denatured proteins pose challenges for refolding and recovery.
- Artificial chaperones are needed to assist protein folding in vitro.
- Nanostructured materials offer unique environments for biomolecular interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop nanotube hydrogels capable of encapsulating and refolding denatured proteins.
- To investigate the role of nanotube channel properties in protein refolding and release.
- To explore the potential of these hydrogels as artificial chaperones.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of asymmetric amphiphilic monomers to form nanotube hydrogels.
- Encapsulation of denatured proteins (GFP, carbonic anhydrase, citrate synthase) within nanotube channels.
- Controlled refolding and release of proteins by adjusting denaturant concentration and pH.
- Surface functionalization of nanotube channels to enhance hydrophobic interactions.
Main Results:
- Nanotube hydrogels successfully encapsulated denatured proteins.
- Decreasing denaturant concentration induced partial protein refolding within the channels.
- pH-triggered release of proteins was achieved without additives, promoting complete refolding.
- Hydrophobic surface modifications enhanced encapsulation and refolding efficiencies.
- Refolding efficiency was dependent on nanotube inner diameters.
Conclusions:
- Nanotube hydrogels function as effective artificial chaperones for denatured proteins.
- The system allows for controlled protein encapsulation, refolding, and release.
- Supramolecular nanotechnology enables precise control over nanotube properties for tailored applications.
- These hydrogel systems show broad applicability for various proteins.
