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Ionic Liquids as Stabilization and Refolding Additives and Solvents for Proteins
1Department of Pathophysiology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. kyokof@toyaku.ac.jp.
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|July 14, 2018
Summary
Ionic liquids can be tailored to enhance protein stability and refolding. Their unique properties influence protein interactions, leading to varied folding behaviors dependent on concentration and ion type, possibly via Hofmeister effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Ionic liquids (ILs) are tunable solvents with potential in biomolecular applications.
- Understanding ILs' impact on protein structure and function is crucial for their effective use.
- Recent advances explore ILs as additives and solvents for protein applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in using ionic liquids for protein applications.
- To investigate the effects of different ionic liquids on protein stability and refolding.
- To explore the mechanisms behind ionic liquid-protein interactions.
Main Methods:
- Tuning ionic liquid properties by selecting specific cations and anions.
- Investigating the influence of various ionic liquids on protein stability.
- Analyzing protein refolding behavior in the presence of ionic liquids.
- Examining the concentration-dependent effects of ionic liquids.
Main Results:
- Ionic liquid properties significantly affect protein intermolecular interactions.
- Different ionic liquids induce varied protein formations and folding behaviors.
- Protein stability and refolding are modulated by ionic liquid choice and concentration.
- Observed effects may be linked to ion kosmotropicity and Hofmeister effects.
Conclusions:
- Ionic liquids offer a promising avenue for controlling protein behavior.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of ionic liquid-protein interactions.
- Tailored ionic liquids can be designed for specific protein applications, enhancing stability and refolding.
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