PATMI

Proteinadsorption gesteuert durch multivalente Ionen (PATMI): Verbindung von Volumen- mit Grenzflächenverhalten durch Kontrolle der Wechselwirkungen

01.05.2020 bis 01.05.2020

This proposal concentrates on protein adsorption in the presence of multivalent ions. It is seeking to identify emerging, qualitatively new adsorption pathways of
proteins in concentrated solutions (up to 100 mg/ml; see Fig.1), i.e. much higher than what is typically used in, e.g., protein purification procedures. High-concentration solutions are of special research interest due to the fact that protein concentrations in living cells can be as high as 400 mg/ml. The resulting crowding effects are well-known to influence cellular processes.n74 A case in
point is the aggregation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) at high concentrations and its potential relation to Alzheimer’s disease.n75 In the project proposed here, we aim at linking the adsorption pathways we study to the rich bulk phase behaviour driven by charge effects beyond simple screening and beyond mean-field theory. Our approach is multi-disciplinary and involves several complementary techniques. To appreciate its importance and timeliness, and why funding should be provided by the DFG, we first outline the background, the scope of the subject and the potential benefits. [...]