Issue 31, 2022

Self-assembly of globular proteins with intrinsically disordered protein polyelectrolytes and block copolymers

Abstract

Intrinsically disordered polypeptides are a versatile class of materials, combining the biocompatibility of peptides with the disordered structure and diverse phase behaviors of synthetic polymers. Synthetic polyelectrolytes are capable of complex phase behavior when mixed with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, facilitating nanoparticle formation and bulk phase separation. However, there has been limited exploration of intrinsically disordered protein polyelectrolytes as potential bio-based replacements for synthetic polyelectrolytes. Here, we produce negatively charged, intrinsically disordered polypeptides, capable of high-yield expression in E. coli and use this intrinsically disordered peptide to produce entirely protein-based polyelectrolyte complexes. The complexes display rich phase behavior, showing sensitivity to charge density, salt concentration, temperature, and charge fraction. We characterize this behavior through a combination of turbidity assays, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The robust expression profile and stimuli-responsive phase behavior of the intrinsically disordered peptides demonstrates their potential as easily producible, biocompatible substitutes for synthetic polyelectrolytes.

Graphical abstract: Self-assembly of globular proteins with intrinsically disordered protein polyelectrolytes and block copolymers

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
01 Apr 2022
Accepted
20 Jun 2022
First published
28 Jun 2022

Soft Matter, 2022,18, 5759-5769

Self-assembly of globular proteins with intrinsically disordered protein polyelectrolytes and block copolymers

J. M. Horn, Y. Zhu, S. Y. Ahn and A. C. Obermeyer, Soft Matter, 2022, 18, 5759 DOI: 10.1039/D2SM00415A

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