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Potential-Switchable Viscoelasticity of Protein Nanolayers at a Liquid/Liquid Interface
Kosuke Ishii1, Takeshi Ueki2,3, Jun Nakanishi2,4,5
1Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|July 1, 2025
Summary
Protein nanolayers (PNLs) at liquid interfaces exhibit potential-switchable viscoelasticity. Applying electrical potential controls protein interactions, altering nanolayer elasticity reversibly for dynamic interface studies.
Area of Science:
- Interfacial Science
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Protein nanolayers (PNLs) form at liquid|liquid interfaces.
- Controlling PNL properties is crucial for interfacial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of electrical potential on PNLs at an electrochemical interface.
- To understand how potential influences the static and dynamic properties of protein nanolayers.
Main Methods:
- Interfacial rheological measurement (IRM) to assess viscoelastic properties.
- Neutron reflectometry (NR) to determine protein adsorption.
- Controlled electrochemical potential difference (EFW) at the fluorous (F)|water (W) interface.
Main Results:
- Protein adsorption amount was minimally affected by potential.
- Interfacial shear storage modulus (G') increased significantly at more negative potentials, indicating enhanced elasticity.
- Interfacial shear loss modulus (G″) remained constant, while G' showed reversible potential-switchable behavior.
Conclusions:
- The viscoelasticity of PNLs at electrochemical interfaces is reversibly tunable by electrical potential.
- Potential-induced changes are attributed to altered intermolecular and intramolecular interactions of denatured proteins.
- This method offers a novel approach for reversible control of PNL structure and real-time interfacial studies.
