Ice binding proteins (IBPs), also known as antifreeze proteins (AFPs), exist in the body fluids of certain organisms such as fish, insects and plants, to protect the living cells from freezing damage in subzero environments. The mechanism of action is attributed to IBPs' ability to bind to specific ice surfaces; thereby inhibiting the growth of seed-ice crystals. This mechanism of action is far more efficient than colligative effect of electrolytes on freezing point depression, therefore, causing no virtual effect on osmoses of living cells. To understand the molecular mechanism of action of IBPs, we have done solid state NMR experiments to probe the intermolecular interactions and dynamics of specific side chains of type I IBPs with ice and water in the Ice-IBP-Water Interfaces. We have also carried NMR micro-imaging and direct ice crystal observation under microscope to correlate the molecular-level observation with the macroscopic effects of the IBPs. In this presentation, the author will discuss the significance of the experimental results to the molecular mechanism of action of IBPs to inhibit the growth of seed ice crystals.

Intermolecular interactions of type I ice binding proteins (IBP) with water in the ice-IBP-water interfaces and the molecular mechanism of action of IBPs to inhibit the growth of ice crystals

248th National Meeting (2014)

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