Surface immobilized peptides and proteins are widely used in many important applications such as antimicrobial coatings, biosensors, biochips, and nano-electronics. In many of such applications, surface immobilized peptides and proteins are used in air without the presence of bulk water. Peptides and proteins may lose their functions in air due to their structural changes. In this study, we systematically investigated molecular structures of surface immobilized peptides and proteins in air using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) – FTIR, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations. We successfully elucidated structure-function relationships of surface immobilized peptides and proteins in air with no bulk water. We also successfully developed co-immobilized hydromimetic functionalities with peptides and proteins, which retained peptide/protein structures in air and greatly enhanced their functions in water-free environments.<br/>

Structure and function of surface immobilized peptides and enzymes in air

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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