Low Mosaicity Crystallization of Proteins by Temporal and Spatial Active-Control of Mass Transfer

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H01257
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 19020:Thermal engineering-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Komiya Atsuki 東北大学, 流体科学研究所, 教授 (60371142)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 神田 雄貴 東北大学, 流体科学研究所, 助教 (00885874)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: タンパク質 / 物質拡散 / 結晶成長 / 低モザイシティ / 有孔透過膜

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the controllability of protein mass diffusion and to realize protein low-mosaicity crystallization. Applying a special membrane (smart membrane) which has micro-structured pores, a hindered diffusion field in the vicinity of membrane was experimentally visualized and a crystal growth field that enables low-mosaicity crystal growth was proposed. Additionally, the dominant factors for the formation of a uniform concentration field by controlling the material flux using smart membranes were evaluated, by offsetting changes in the concentration field including convection caused by the crystal growth rate with a convection field caused by the temperature field.

Free Research Field

熱工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では，研究目的にも示したように，タンパク質低モザイシティ結晶化の実現を目指している．得られた研究成果から，地球上では不可避の自然対流による濃度斑を極力低減させた高品質タンパク質結晶を創り出すことが期待でき，多くのタンパク質の分子構造情報を高精度に取得することが可能となる．これによりタンパク質の物性や機能の理解が進み，学術的には創薬や食品学の分野の発展に資する情報が提供でき，また，高品質の薬品等が効率よく生産できることから，社会的意義も大きいものとなる．