in-situ Observation of Growth of Metal Nanoparticle-assembled Protein Crystal by Single Nanoparticle Detection

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24510141
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Nanostructural science
• Research Institution: Genesis Research Institute, Inc.
• Principal Investigator: TAKEDA Yoshihiro 株式会社コンポン研究所, その他部局等, 研究員 (80557744)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 結晶 / 微粒子 / 集積化 / リゾチーム / タンパク質 / 単一微粒子検出

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Assembling mechanism of platinum nanoparticle (PtNP) into a lysozyme crystal was examined for two different types of the PtNPs which have either positive or negative zeta potential. The distribution coefficient of the positive ones inside the crystal is much higher than that of the negative ones. Dispersivity of the PtNPs before interaction with the lysozyme crystal surface causes a profound difference on the assembly of the PtNPs into the crystal. Moreover, an effect of PtNP as additive on protein crystal nucleation was investigated. The presence of the PtNPs increased number of crystals per drop. PtNPs have two roles in the nucleation of lysozyme, condensation and charge delocalization of lysozyme.
Fluorescence microscope for investigation of the dynamics of protein crystallization was manufactured. Process of crystallization can be observed for several days by using this optical system, which can detects fluorescence of single nanoparticles.

Free Research Field

ナノ材料化学