Reduction of irreversible protein adsorption on solid surfaces by protein engineering for increased stability

The influence of protein stability on the adsorption and desorption behavior to surfaces with fundamentally different properties (negatively charged, positively charged, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic) was examined by surface plasmon resonance measurements. Three engineered variants of human carbonic anhydrase II were used that have unchanged surface properties but large differences in stability. The orientation and conformational state of the adsorbed protein could be elucidated by taking all of the following properties of the protein variants into account: stability, unfolding, adsorption, and desorption behavior. Regardless of the nature of the surface, there were correlation between (i) the protein stability and kinetics of adsorption, with an increased amplitude of the first kinetic phase of adsorption with increasing stability; (ii) the protein stability and the extent of maximally adsorbed protein to the actual surface, with an increased amount of adsorbed protein with increasing stability; (iii) the protein stability and the amount of protein desorbed upon washing with buffer, with an increased elutability of the adsorbed protein with increased stability. All of the above correlations could be explained by the rate of denaturation and the conformational state of the adsorbed protein. In conclusion, protein engineering for increased stability can be used as a strategy to decrease irreversible adsorption on surfaces at a liquid-solid interface.     

Electrophoresis of adsorbed DNA

The electrophoresis mobilities of native calf thymus DNA adsorbed on the charged solid particles were measured by a micro-electrophoretic method as functions of pII, ionic strength, and DNA concentration. The mobility data confirm the adsorption of DNA both on the positively charged alumina and negatively charged resin particles at wide range of pH and ionic strength. The mobility data also indicate significant DNA adsorption by negatively charged glass in the acidic range of pH. The electrophoretic mobilities of DNA adsorbed on different substrate particles under identical conditions do not differ widely, indicating the major role of the adsorbed DNA rather than the covered substrate in controlling the charge behavior of the particle. The mobilities of the adsorbed DNA at salt pH are of a comparable order of magnitude to those for the dissolved DNA in solution. The mobility of the adsorbed heat-denatured and alkali-denatured DNA is lower than that of the native adsorbed DNA under identical conditions of pH and ionic strength.     

Adsorption of viruses to charge-modified silica

The purpose of this study was to provide a clearer understanding of virus adsorption, focusing specifically on the role of electrostatic interactions between virus particles and adsorbent surfaces. The adsorption of poliovirus 1, reovirus types 1 and 3, and coliphages MS-2 and T2 to colloidal silica synthetically modified to carry either positive or negative surface charge was evaluated. Adsorption experiments were performed by combining virus and silica in 0.1-ionic-strength buffers of pH 4.0, 6.4, and 8.5. Samples agitated for specified adsorption periods were centrifuged to pellet adsorbent particles plus adsorbed virus, and the supernatants were assayed for unadsorbed virus. All viruses adsorbed exclusively to negatively charged silica at pH values below their isoelectric points, i.e., under conditions favoring a positive surface charge on the virions. Conversely, all viruses adsorbed exclusively to positively charged silica at pH values above their isoelectric points, i.e., where virus surface charge is negative. Viruses in near-isoelectric state adsorbed to all types of silica, albeit to a lesser degree.     

Adsorption of viruses to charge-modified silica.

The purpose of this study was to provide a clearer understanding of virus adsorption, focusing specifically on the role of electrostatic interactions between virus particles and adsorbent surfaces. The adsorption of poliovirus 1, reovirus types 1 and 3, and coliphages MS-2 and T2 to colloidal silica synthetically modified to carry either positive or negative surface charge was evaluated. Adsorption experiments were performed by combining virus and silica in 0.1-ionic-strength buffers of pH 4.0, 6.4, and 8.5. Samples agitated for specified adsorption periods were centrifuged to pellet adsorbent particles plus adsorbed virus, and the supernatants were assayed for unadsorbed virus. All viruses adsorbed exclusively to negatively charged silica at pH values below their isoelectric points, i.e., under conditions favoring a positive surface charge on the virions. Conversely, all viruses adsorbed exclusively to positively charged silica at pH values above their isoelectric points, i.e., where virus surface charge is negative. Viruses in near-isoelectric state adsorbed to all types of silica, albeit to a lesser degree.     

Selective adsorption/desorption of nucleic acids on submicron-sized polymeric particles

DNA can be removed or separated by the selective adsorption/desorption on positively charged submicronsized polymeric particles (SSPP). The selective adsorption of DNA, in the presence of protein, on positively charged SSPP was accomplished by increasing the concentration of potassium phosphate or sodium phosphate. The adsorption of DNA was not affected by the concentration of potassium phosphate or sodium phosphate up to 1.2M. On the other hand, the adsoprtion of a protein (bovine serum albumin) was completely impeded by 170mM potassium phosphate. DNA adsorbed on SSPP could be desorbed by increasing the concentration of NaCl or KCl, thus it can be recovered. DNA desorbed from SSPP when the concentration of NaCl or KC was higher than 0.6M. A complete desorption of DNA was achieved at the concentration of NaCl or KCl above 1.2M.     

New, highly efficient formulation of diclofenac for the topical, transdermal administration in ultradeformable drug carriers, Transfersomes

Unmodified and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified neutral and negatively charged liposomes were prepared by freeze-thaw and extrusion followed by chromatographic purification. The effects of PEG molecular weight (PEG 550, 2000, 5000), PEG loading (0-15 mol%), and liposome surface charge on fibrinogen adsorption were quantified using radiolabeling techniques. All adsorption isotherms increased monotonically over the concentration range 0-3 mg/ml and adsorption levels were low. Negatively charged liposomes adsorbed significantly more fibrinogen than neutral liposomes. PEG modification had no effect on fibrinogen adsorption to neutral liposomes. An inverse relationship was found between PEG loading of negatively charged liposomes and fibrinogen adsorption. PEGs of all three molecular weights at a loading of 5 mol% reduced fibrinogen adsorption to negatively charged liposomes. Protein adsorption from diluted plasma (10% normal strength) to four different liposome types (neutral, PEG-neutral, negatively charged, and PEG-negatively charged) was investigated using gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. The profiles of adsorbed proteins were similar on all four liposome types, but distinctly different from the profile of plasma itself, indicating a partitioning effect of the lipid surfaces. alpha2-macroglobulin and fibronectin were significantly enriched on the liposomes whereas albumin, transferrin, and fibrinogen were depleted compared to plasma. Apolipoprotein AI was a major component of the adsorbed protein layers. The blot of complement protein C3 adsorbed on the liposomes suggested that the complement system was activated.     

Protein adsorption onto auto-assembled polyelectrolyte films

Surface modification by deposition of ordered protein systems constitutes one of the major objectives of bio-related chemistry and biotechnology. In this respect a concept has recently been reported aimed at fabricating multilayers by the consecutive adsorption of positively and negatively charged polyelectrolytes. We investigate the adsorption processes between polyelectrolyte multilayers and a series of positively and negatively charged proteins. The film buildup and adsorption experiments were followed by Scanning Angle Reflectometry (SAR). We find that proteins strongly interact with the polyelectrolyte film whatever the sign of the charge of both the multilayer and the protein. When charges of the multilayer and the protein are similar, one usually observes the formation of protein monolayers, which can become dense. We also show that when the protein and the multilayer become oppositely charged, the adsorbed amounts are usually larger and the formation of thick protein layers extending up to several times the largest dimension of the protein can be observed. Our results confirm that electrostatic interactions dominate protein/polyelectrolyte multilayer interactions.     

Protein adsorption orientation in the light of fluorescent probes: mapping of the interaction between site-directly labeled human carbonic anhydrase II and silica nanoparticles

Little is known about the direction and specificity of protein adsorption to solid surfaces, a knowledge that is of great importance in many biotechnological applications. To resolve the direction in which a protein with known structure and surface potentials binds to negatively charged silica nanoparticles, fluorescent probes were attached to different areas on the surface of the protein human carbonic anhydrase II. By this approach it was clearly demonstrated that the adsorption of the native protein is specific to limited regions at the surface of the N-terminal domain of the protein. Furthermore, the adsorption direction is strongly pH-dependent. At pH 6.3, a histidine-rich area around position 10 is the dominating adsorption region. At higher pH values, when the histidines in this area are deprotonated, the protein is also adsorbed by a region close to position 37, which contains several lysines and arginines. Clearly the adsorption is directed by positively charged areas on the protein surface toward the negatively charged silica surface at conditions when specific binding occurs.     

Circular dichroism studies on conformational changes in protein molecules upon adsorption on ultrafine polystyrene particles

The conformational changes in well-characterized model proteins [bovine ribonuclease A (RNase A), horseradish peroxidase, sperm-whole myoglobin, human hemoglobin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA)] upon adsorption on ultrafine polystyrene (PS) particles have been studied using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. These proteins were chosen with special attention to molecular flexibility. The ultrafine PS particles were negatively charged and have average diameters of 20 or 30 nm. Utilization of these ultrafine PS particles makes it possible to apply the CD technique to determine the secondary structure of proteins adsorbed on the PS surface. Effects of protein properties and adsorption conditions on the extent of the changes in the secondary structure of protein molecules upon adsorption on ultrafine PS particles were studied. The CD spectrum changes upon adsorption were significant in the "soft" protein molecules (myoglobin, hemoglobin, and BSA), while they were insingnificant in the "rigid" proteins (RNase A and peroxidase). The soft proteins sustained a marked decrease in alpha-helix content upon adsorption. Moreover, the native alpha-helix content, which is given as the percentage of the alpha-helix content in the free proteins, of adsorbed BSA was found to decrease with decreasing pH and increase with increasing adsorbed amount. These observations confirm some well-known hypotheses for the confirmational chages in protein molecules upon adsorption. (c) 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Second harmonic generation of glucose oxidase at the air/water interface

We present a study of the adsorption of the glucose oxidase enzyme (GOx) at the air/water interface, using the nonlinear optical technique of surface second harmonic generation (SSHG). Resonant SSHG experiments were achieved by probing the pi-pi* transition of the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) chromophores embedded in the GOx protein. Because of the subsequent resonance enhancement of the signal, the second harmonic (SH) wave arising from the GOx entities adsorbed at the interface was detectable for protein bulk aqueous concentrations as low as 70 nM. The protein adsorption was followed, and, at high GOx coverage, a change in the orientation of the FAD chromophore was observed, indicating either a rearrangement or a reorientation of the protein at the interface. Inasmuch as GOx is negatively charged at the biological pH of 7, its interactions with charged surfactants were also investigated. As expected, spreading positively charged surfactants onto a partial protein monolayer was found to increase the GOx surface concentration, whereas in the case of negatively charged surfactants, the GOx surface concentration decreased until the SH signal went back to the pure buffer solution response level. With the increasing GOx surface concentration, the rearrangement or reorientation of the protein was also observed.     

Protein adsorption at polymer-grafted surfaces: comparison between a mixture of saliva proteins and some well-defined model proteins

Grafting a dense layer of soluble polymers onto a surface is a well-established method for controlling protein adsorption. In the present study, polyethylene oxide (PEO) layers of three different grafting densities were prepared, i.e. 10-15 nm2, 5.5 nm2 and 4 nm2 per polymer chain, respectively. The adsorption of different proteins on the PEO grafted surfaces was measured in real time by reflectometry. Furthermore, the change of the zeta-potential of such surfaces resulting from adsorption of the proteins was determined using the streaming potential method. Both the protein adsorption and the zeta-potential were monitored for 1 h after exposure of the protein solution to the surface. The adsorption pattern for a mixture of saliva proteins was compared to those observed for a number of well-defined model-proteins (lysozyme, human serum albumin, beta-lactoglobulin and ovalbumin). The results of the adsorption kinetics and streaming potential measurements indicate that the effect of the PEO layer on protein adsorption primarily depends on the size and the charge of the protein molecules. The saliva proteins are strongly blocked for adsorption, whereas the change in the zeta-potential is larger than for the other proteins (except lysozyme). It is concluded that positively charged protein molecules, having dimensions larger than those of lysozyme, are involved in the initial stage of adsorption from saliva onto a negatively charged surface.     

The adsorption of DNA in the mercury electrolyte interface. 3. Reaction of DNA in the mercury-electrolyte interface

The adsorption of deoxyribonucleic acid in the mercury-electrolyte interface was investigated. The effect of this adsorption on the differential capacity of the electrical double layer at the interface between a stationary mercury drop electrode (HMDE) and a buffered aqueous sodium chloride solution was measured. The dependences of this differential capacity on potential, time, and pH was studied in the presence of native and also of denatured DNA. These results were compared with the adsorption of model compounds and with the general theory of the adsorption of polymers. The structure of the adsorbed DNA molecules corresponds to an alternating arrangement of two-dimensional, totally adsorbed sequences and three-dimensional loops extending into the solution. The adsorbed sequences and loops consist of several segments with a specific free-energy change of adsorption. Essentially this energy determines the distribution of the segments between adsorbed sequences and loops. The absolute value of this energy change per segment is fairly large in the case of negatively charged poly-electrolyte DNA at the weakly positively charged interface near the electrocapillary maximum (ECM). The fraction of totally adsorbed segments is relatively large in this potential region. The more negative the potential the lower is the absolute value of free energy change of adsorption per segment. Under the conditions unfavorable for the adsorption, only a few segments can be adsorbed. Most of the segments of the adsorbed DNA molecules extend into the solution and therefore fairly high interface concentrations can be reached. Thus, the arrangement of DNA molecules in the electrode surface is changed when the potential is altered from values near the ECM to more negative ones. This change should produce the wave on the differential capacity curves at a little more negative potential than that of ECM. At a more negative potential, intermolecular interactions between the loops extending into the solution may occur. The adsorption tendency of the resulting associates is higher than that of the isolated molecules. Therefore the isolated molecules desorb at sufficient negatively charged interface producing a round wave while the associates stay adsorbed. At this potential it is impossible for native DNA to generate associates because they are formed from the isolated molecules. This explains the hysteresis loop of the curves of differential capacity vs. potential by using the HMDE. The desorption of the associates is indicated by a sharp wave at much more negative potential. For denatured DNA the associates arise from the very few isolated adsorbed molecules at this potential; therefore, no hysteresis loop occurs. The association constant of denatured DNA must be much higher than that of the native DNA. The reasons for this are discussed.     

Arrangement of type IV collagen on NH2 and COOH functionalized surfaces

Apart from the paradigm that cell–biomaterials interaction depends on the adsorption of soluble adhesive proteins we anticipate that upon distinct conditions also other, less soluble ECM proteins such as collagens, associate with the biomaterials interface with consequences for cellular response that might be of significant bioengineering interest. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) we seek to follow the nanoscale behavior of adsorbed type IV collagen (Col IV)—a unique multifunctional matrix protein involved in the organization of basement membranes (BMs) including vascular ones. We have previously shown that substratum wettability significantly affects Col IV adsorption pattern, and in turn alters endothelial cells interaction. Here we introduce two new model surfaces based on self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), a positively charged –NH₂, and negatively charged –COOH surface, to learn more about their particular effect on Col IV behavior. AFM studies revealed distinct pattern of Col IV assembly onto the two SAMs resembling different aspects of network‐like structure or aggregates (suggesting altered protein conformation). Moreover, the amount of adsorbed FITC‐labeled Col IV was quantified and showed about twice more protein on NH₂ substrata. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells attached less efficiently to Col IV adsorbed on negatively charged COOH surface judged by altered cell spreading, focal adhesions formation, and actin cytoskeleton development. Immunofluorescence studies also revealed better Col IV recognition by both α₁ and α₂ integrins on positively charged NH₂ substrata resulting in higher phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase recruitment in the focal adhesion complexes. On COOH surface, no integrin clustering was observed. Taken altogether these results, point to the possibility that combined NH₂ and Col IV functionalization may support endothelization of cardiovascular implants. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 3009–3018. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Direct force measurements between cellulose surfaces and colloidal silica particles

The interaction of cellulose layers with colloidal silica particles was investigated by direct force measurements with the atomic force microscope (AFM). Upon approach, repulsive forces were found between the negatively charged silica particles and the cellulose surface. The forces were interpreted quantitatively in terms of electrostatic interactions due to overlap of diffuse layers originating from negatively charged carboxylic groups on the cellulose surface. The diffuse layer charge density of cellulose was estimated to be 0.80 mC/m2 at pH 9.5 and 0.21 mC/m2 at pH 4. The forces upon retraction are characterized by molecular adhesion events, whereby individual cellulose chains desorb from the probe surface. The retraction profiles are dominated by well-defined force plateaus, which correspond to single-chain desorption forces of 35-42 pN. We surmise that adsorption of cellulose to probe surfaces is dominated by nonelectrostatic forces, probably originating from hydrogen bonding. Electrostatic contributions to desorption force could be detected only at high pH, where the silica surface is highly charged.     

Interaction between tissue-type plasminogen activator and ligands grafted onto hydrogel

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) has shown significant effects on the treatment of common thrombosis. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are used in protein–ligand interaction analysis to investigate the affinity of ligands for affinity chromatography. A hydrogel matrix grafted with amine (positively charged), carboxyl (negatively charged) and hydroxyl (neutral) ligands separately is designed, and its adsorption–desorption dynamics are studied in detail. The residues on the surface of t-PA, on which the S1 pocket is located, could be more easily adsorbed by charged ligands grafted onto the hydrogel matrix than neutral ligands. The findings offer new insights into the affinity of various ligands for t-PA, and could be of potential use in t-PA purification.     

Influence of liposome charge on the association of liposomes with Kupffer cells in vitro. Effects of divalent cations and competition with latex particles

We studied the interaction of large unilamellar liposomes carrying different surface charges with rat Kupffer cells in maintenance culture. In addition to 14C-labeled phosphatidylcholine, all liposome preparations contained either 3H-labeled inulin or 125I-labeled bovine serum albumin as a non-degradable or a degradable aqueous space marker, respectively. With vesicles carrying no net charge, intracellular processing of internalized liposomes caused nearly complete release of protein label into the medium in acid-soluble form, while phospholipid label was predominantly retained by the cells, only about one third being released. The presence of the lysosomotropic agent, ammonia, inhibited the release of both labels from the cells. At 4 degrees C, the association and degradation of the vesicles were strongly reduced. These results are very similar to what we reported on negatively charged liposomes (Dijkstra, J., Van Galen, W.J.M., Hulstaert, C.E., Kalicharan, D., Roerdink, F.H. and Scherphof, G.L. (1984) Exp. Cell Res. 150, 161-176). The interaction of both types of vesicles apparently proceeds by adsorption to the cell surface followed by virtually complete internalization by endocytosis. Similar experiments with positively charged vesicles indicated that only about half of the liposomes were taken up by the endocytic route, the other half remaining adsorbed to the cell-surface. Attachment of all types of liposomes to the cells was strongly dependent on the presence of divalent cations; Ca2+ appeared to be required for optimal binding. Neutral liposomes only slightly competed with the uptake of negatively charged vesicles, both at 4 degrees and 37 degrees C, whereas negatively charged small unilamellar vesicles and negatively charged latex beads were found to compete very effectively with the large negatively charged liposomes. Neutral vesicles competed effectively for uptake with positively charged ones. These results suggest that neutral and positively charged liposomes are largely bound by the same cell-surface binding sites, while negatively charged vesicles attach mainly to other binding sites.     

Interaction of electrically charged lipid monolayers with malate dehydrogenase

Malate dehydrogenase was adsorbed onto monomolecular lipid films, using a multicompartment trough. The quantity of adsorbed protein and its enzymatic activity were studied with monolayers of various electrical charge densities and subphases of various electrolyte compositions. A closely packed layer of enzyme molecules was adsorbed onto negatively charged films, whereas considerably less protein was adsorbed onto neutral and positively charged monolayers. Electrolytes reduce the quantity of adsorbed protein. The adsorption was found to be irreversible even at high ionic strength. When adsorbed to uncharged lipid films the enzyme is nearly inactive, whereas negatively charged lipid headgroups enhance the specific activity of the enzyme.     

Interaction of electrically charged lipid monolayers with malate dehydrogenase.

Malate dehydrogenase was adsorbed onto monomolecular lipid films, using a multicompartment trough. The quantity of adsorbed protein and its enzymatic activity were studied with monolayers of various electrical charge densities and subphases of various electrolyte compositions. A closely packed layer of enzyme molecules was adsorbed onto negatively charged films, whereas considerably less protein was adsorbed onto neutral and positively charged monolayers. Electrolytes reduce the quantity of adsorbed protein. The adsorption was found to be irreversible even at high ionic strength. When adsorbed to uncharged lipid films the enzyme is nearly inactive, whereas negatively charged lipid headgroups enhance the specific activity of the enzyme.     

Adsorption of RNase A on cationic polyelectrolyte brushes: a study by isothermal titration calorimetry

We present a study of the adsorption of a positively charged protein to a positively charged spherical polyelectrolyte brush (SPB) by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). ITC is used to determine the adsorption isotherm as a function of temperature and of salt concentration (at physiological pH 7.2). At low ionic strength, RNase A is strongly adsorbed by the SPB particles despite the fact that both the SPB particles and the protein are positively charged. Virtually no adsorption takes place when the ionic strength is raised through added salt. This is strong evidence for counterion release as the primary driving force for protein adsorption. We calculated that ~2 counterions were released upon RNase A binding. The adsorption of RNase A into like-charged SPB particles is entropy-driven, and protein protonation was not significant. Temperature-dependent measurements showed a disagreement between the enthalpy derived via the van't Hoff equation and the calorimetric enthalpy. Further analysis shows that van't Hoff analysis leads to the correct enthalpy of adsorption. The additional contributions to the measured enthalpy are potentially sourced from unlinked equilibria such as conformational changes that do not contribute to the binding equilibrium.     

Interactions of thrombin with fibrinogen adsorbed on methyl-, hydroxyl-, amine-, and carboxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers

We have examined the initial phase of fibrin formation, thrombin-catalyzed fibrinopeptide cleavage, from adsorbed fibrinogen using surface plasmon resonance and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fibrinogen adsorption impaired thrombin-fibrinogen interactions compared to the interactions of thrombin with fibrinogen in solution. The properties of the underlying substrate significantly affected the extent and kinetics of fibrinopeptide cleavage, and the conversion of adsorbed fibrinogen to fibrin. Fibrinogen adsorbed on negatively charged surfaces (carboxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers) released a smaller amount of fibrinopeptides, at a reduced rate relative to those of hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and positively charged surfaces (methyl-, hydroxyl-, and amine-terminated self-assembled monolayers, respectively). Additionally, the conversion of adsorbed fibrinogen to fibrin was comparatively inefficient at the negatively charged surface. These data correlated well with trends previously reported for fibrin proliferation as a function of surface properties. We conclude that thrombin interactions with adsorbed fibrinogen determine the extent of subsequent fibrin proliferation on surfaces.