Enhanced stability of proteins immobilized on nanoparticles

摘要

This invention is directed to the application of a previously unknown property of nanomaterials—its ability to enhance protein activity and stability at high temperatures, in organic solvents, and in polymer composites. Nanomaterials such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can significantly enhance enzyme function and stability in strongly denaturing environments. Experimental results and theoretical analysis reveal that the enhancement in stability is a result of the curvature of these nanoscale materials, which suppresses unfavorable protein-protein interactions.

主权项

1. A composition comprising:
(a) nanoparticles; and (b) proteins, wherein said proteins are bound to external surfaces of said nanoparticles and wherein each of said external surfaces has a radius of curvature that is within 1 order of magnitude of the dimensions of each of said proteins bound to said nanoparticles, wherein the stability of the bound proteins is greater than the stability of the proteins bound to surfaces of the same material as that of said nanoparticles but which forms a flat surface; and wherein said proteins are enzymes.