Caging the Hofmeister Effect by a Biomimetic Supramolecular Receptor
Weibin Lin1, Gengwu Zhang1,2, Xuanfu Zhu1
1Chemistry Program, Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 6, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel synthetic cage complex that counteracts the Hofmeister effect, preserving lysozyme protein activity in aqueous solutions by preventing anion-induced precipitation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Protein Science
Background:
- The Hofmeister effect describes how ions alter protein solubility and function.
- While synthetic receptors exist for anion recognition, none have addressed Hofmeister-induced protein perturbations.
- Overcoming these perturbations is crucial for maintaining protein activity in various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a synthetic host capable of mitigating the Hofmeister effect on natural proteins.
- To demonstrate the ability of a novel cage complex to maintain protein solubility and function under challenging ionic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a protonated small molecule cage complex acting as an exo-receptor.
- Evaluation of the cage complex's solubility behavior in aqueous media with different anions.
- Assaying lysozyme activity under conditions where anion-induced precipitation typically occurs.
Main Results:
- The cage complex exhibited non-Hofmeister solubility, with only its chloride complex remaining soluble.
- Lysozyme activity was successfully retained in the presence of the cage complex, even under precipitating anion conditions.
- This represents the first instance of a synthetic anion receptor overcoming the Hofmeister effect in a biological system.
Conclusions:
- A synthetic cage complex can effectively counteract the Hofmeister effect on natural proteins.
- This approach offers a new strategy for stabilizing proteins in solution, broadening their potential applications.
- The findings open avenues for designing bespoke receptors to control protein behavior in complex environments.
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