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Published on: June 1, 2016
Surface functionalization of carbon nanomaterials by self-assembling hydrophobin proteins
Wenrong Yang1, Qin Ren, Ya-Na Wu
1School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia. wenrong@deakin.edu.au.
Biopolymers
|October 26, 2012
Summary
Class I fungal hydrophobins coat nanomaterials, creating stable, non-toxic surfaces. This protein coating offers a versatile strategy for surface modification with potential biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Class I fungal hydrophobins are proteins known for self-assembly into robust, amphipathic monolayers.
- These monolayers can alter surface wettability, strongly adhering to hydrophobic materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ability of class I hydrophobins (EAS and HYD3) to coat various nanomaterials.
- To assess the stability, dispersibility, and cytotoxicity of hydrophobin-coated nanomaterials, particularly single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).
- To explore the potential for functionalizing hydrophobin-coated surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of class I hydrophobins (EAS, HYD3) onto nanomaterials like SWCNTs, graphene, graphite, and mica.
- Characterization of the resulting single-molecule thick coatings.
- Evaluation of SWCNT dispersion in aqueous solutions post-coating.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays using Caco-2 cells.
- Chemical modification of the hydrophobin monolayer.
Main Results:
- Class I hydrophobins successfully formed single-molecule thick coatings on diverse nanomaterials.
- Hydrophobin coating led to stable aqueous dispersions of SWCNTs.
- No cytotoxicity was observed for hydrophobin or hydrophobin-coated SWCNTs.
- Chemical moieties could be covalently attached to the hydrophilic side of the monolayer.
Conclusions:
- Class I hydrophobins provide an effective method for molecular-level surface control of various materials.
- The robust and functionalizable nature of hydrophobin coatings suggests significant potential for biomedical applications.
