Three-dimensional free-form fabrication, also known as cross-linking or photo-polymerization, of proteins (bovine and human serum albumins, fibrinogen and lysozyme) has been carried out using a pulsed Nd3+-YAG laser as the excitation source. Cross-linking is carried out by the direct excitation of various photoactivators (ex.  Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue and 9-fluorenone-2-carboxyic acid). These cross-linked structures can serve as models for various applications including drug delivery and tissue engineering. Optimal laser exposure dose for cross-linking has been determined. Cross-linking was observed on proteins that had been heated to 60 �C but not higher due to denaturation. Cross-linking of proteins that had been involved in other processes (binding to transition metal complexes) was carried out and the cross-linking efficiency was drastically reduced as the tryptophans that are typically involved in cross-linking had limited accessibility.  Finally, fluorescence experiments were carried out to monitor cross-linking, determine bioactivity and measure fluorescence recovery within these structures following photobleaching.

Cross-linking of proteins using laser excitation of various photoactivators

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.