Polar organisms have evolved to produce antifreeze proteins (AFPs) to survive freezing damage from the harsh environment. Their specific amino acid sequence was widely accepted to play a role in preventing ice growth by binding to ice surface. Despite this unique ability, there are limitations for industrial applications, such as low structural stability, low antifreeze activity, and high production cost. Herein, we addressed these challenges by using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a platform. By benefiting from well-defined shapes of AuNPs and AFP-inspired oligopeptides, we developed the highly active artificial antifreeze materials. In this presentation, we experimentally and theoretically show that the effect of the AFP-inspired AuNPs on ice growth and recrystallization by controlling the shape and surface properties. The design principles and predictive theory outlined in this work will provide broad interest for the fundamental understanding of ice growth and affect current technological applications that require ice control.

Antifreeze protein-inspired gold nanoparticles preventing ice crystals growth and recrystallization

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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