Bio-Molecular self-assembly is one kind of crucial processes to the growth, survival and evolution of nature life. It underlies the construction of functional quaternary structures, like proteins in living organisms; and that is the requirement to the appropriate functions of proteins and cells. Interface cannot be neglected in the research of protein self-assembly; as in a number of cases, interface involves into the molecular self-assembly of proteins. Exploring the interaction between proteins and interfaces, not only does contribute to people’s knowledge of nature life, but also benefits to a number of bio-engineer applications.<br/>In this presentation, I explore the self-assembly behaviors of the designed helical repeat protein (DHR10-mica18) via atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is one kind of artificial protein with tandem repeating a simple helix–loop–helix–loop structural motif. It has been modified to attach to mica surface with certain orientation by attaching to negative charged mica surface. AFM records the self-assembly process and proves the concept of the design. The results further prove it is the combination of classical and two-step nucleation. And the effect of hydration layer during the adsorption is also been discussed. Such formed protein self-assembly layer may be used as template for further crystal nucleation and growth.

Self-assembly of designed helical-repeat protein on mica characterized using atomic force microscopy

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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