Increasing Protein Stability through Control of the Nanoscale Environment

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2006

Publisher

American Chemical Society

Abstract

We have discovered a novel property of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)their ability to stabilize proteins at elevated temperatures and in organic solvents to a greater extent than conventional flat supports. Experimental results and theoretical analysis reveal that the stabilization results from the curvature of SWNTs, which suppresses unfavorable protein−protein lateral interactions. Our results also indicate that the phenomenon is not unique to SWNTs but could be extended to other nanomaterials. The protein−nanotube conjugates represent a new generation of active and stable catalytic materials with potential use in biosensors, diagnostics, and bioactive films and other hybrid materials that integrate biotic and abiotic components.

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