Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel
Published on: January 27, 2014
Sortase-Mediated Ligation of Purely Artificial Building Blocks
Xiaolin Dai1,2, Diana M Mate3, Ulrich Glebe4,5
1Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany. xiaolin.dai@iap.fraunhofer.de.
Abstract:
Sortase A (SrtA) from Staphylococcus aureus has been often used for ligating a protein with other natural or synthetic compounds in recent years. Here we show that SrtA-mediated ligation (SML) is universally applicable for the linkage of two purely artificial building blocks. Silica nanoparticles (NPs), poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) are chosen as synthetic building blocks. As a proof of concept, NP⁻polymer, NP⁻NP, and polymer⁻polymer structures are formed by SrtA catalysis. Therefore, the building blocks are equipped with the recognition sequence needed for SrtA reaction-the conserved peptide LPETG-and a pentaglycine motif. The successful formation of the reaction products is shown by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The sortase catalyzed linkage of artificial building blocks sets the stage for the development of a new approach to link synthetic structures in cases where their synthesis by established chemical methods is complicated.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Need for Obtaining Pure Cultures
Movement Joints in Buildings
The simplest type of movement joints, working joints, are...
Types of Building Stone
Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava. An example is granite, known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it ideal for parts of...
Techniques for Isolation of Pure Cultures
Block Diagram Reduction
The first step in this process is the identification and relocation of a branch point. A branch point, where a...
Elements of Block Diagrams
A block diagram typically includes essential elements such as comparators, blocks, and feedback loops. Each of these elements...

