Aqueous solubilization of C60 fullerene by natural protein surfactants, latherin and ranaspumin-2

Vance, S. J., Desai, V., Smith, B. O. , Kennedy, M. W. and Cooper, A. (2016) Aqueous solubilization of C60 fullerene by natural protein surfactants, latherin and ranaspumin-2. Biophysical Chemistry, 214-15, pp. 27-32. (doi: 10.1016/j.bpc.2016.05.003) (PMID:27214760) (PMCID:PMC4906151)

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Abstract

C60 fullerene is not soluble in water and dispersion usually requires organic solvents, sonication or vigorous mechanical mixing. However, we show here that mixing of pristine C60 in water with natural surfactant proteins latherin and ranaspumin-2 (Rsn-2) at low concentrations yields stable aqueous dispersions with spectroscopic properties similar to those previously obtained by more vigorous methods. Particle sizes are significantly smaller than those achieved by mechanical dispersion alone, and concentrations are compatible with clusters approximating 1:1 protein:C60 stoichiometry. These proteins can also be adsorbed onto more intractable carbon nanotubes. This promises to be a convenient way to interface a range of hydrophobic nanoparticles and related materials with biological macromolecules, with potential to exploit the versatility of recombinant protein engineering in the development of nano-bio interface devices. It also has potential consequences for toxicological aspects of these and similar nanoparticles.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kennedy, Professor Malcolm and Cooper, Professor Alan and Smith, Dr Brian
Authors: Vance, S. J., Desai, V., Smith, B. O., Kennedy, M. W., and Cooper, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Biophysical Chemistry
Publisher:Elsevier BV
ISSN:0301-4622
ISSN (Online):1873-4200
Published Online:13 May 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Biophysical Chemistry 214-215:27-32
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
350081Latherin - a natural surfactant protein for biomedical and environmental applicationsMalcolm KennedyWellcome Trust (WELLCOME)070994/Z/03/ZLS - ANIMAL BIOLOGY