The findings could benefit implants and biomaterials as they could help researchers understand how proteins interact with surfaces inside the human body
GUWAHATI: The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, has achieved a breakthrough in replicating protein adsorption processes in living organisms. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Science and Technology on Monday, December 30.
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The research focuses on stabilising layers of lysozyme protein molecules on silicon surfaces, potentially aiding the development of better implants and biomaterials.
Lysozyme, the protein used in the study, is commonly found in human tears, saliva, and sweat. It plays an important role in biological processes. In this research, lysozyme layers were stabilised in the presence of different types of ions—monovalent (sodium), divalent (calcium), and trivalent (yttrium). These ions helped create a two-layer structure: a bottom layer with proteins in a side-on orientation and a top layer with proteins in either a side-on or tilted orientation.
The study, led by Associate Professor Sarathi Kundu, along with Senior Research Fellow Sanu Sarkar and Post-Doctorate Fellow Aditi Saikia, explained that the protein layers were stabilised through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic forces, and electrostatic interactions. The interaction of lysozyme with ions caused the protein to behave differently on hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) surfaces, imitating real-life biological scenarios.
The findings could benefit implants and biomaterials as they could help researchers understand how proteins interact with surfaces inside the human body. This could improve the design of medical implants to ensure better compatibility and performance.
This research has been published in the New Journal of Chemistry, a publication of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
