Title
Conformational control of human transferrin covalently anchored to carbon-coated iron nanoparticles in presence of a magnetic field
Author
Agata Kowalczyk, Edyta Matysiak-Brynda, Michal Bystrzejewski, Duncan S. Sutherland, Zbigniew Stojek, Anna M. Nowicka
Year
2016
Journal
Acta Biomaterialia
Abstract
The control of the interactions of proteins with the support matrix plays a key role in medicine, drug delivery systems and diagnostics. Herein, we report that covalent anchoring of human transferrin to carbon-coated iron magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with carboxylic groups (Fe@C-COOH Nps) in the presence of magnetic field results in its conformational integrity and electroactivity. We have found that, the direct contact of human transferrin with Fe@C-COOH Nps does not lead to release of iron and in consequence to the irreversible conformational changes of the protein. Moreover, the examination of the direct electron transfer between Tf molecules from the conjugate and the electrode surface was possible. The quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D)- and thermogravimetric data (TGA) showed that under such conditions, in addition to a monolayer, an adlayer of the protein can be formed on Fe@C-COOH Nps at constant pH.
Instrument
J-815
Keywords
Circular dichroism, Secondary structure, Ligand binding, Nanostructures, Materials, Biochemistry