S-Layer Proteins As Modules In Supramolecular Interfacial Architectures


Wolfgang Knoll1, Uwe Sleytr2, and Dietmar Pum2

1Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, D-55128 Mainz, Germany, and
2Center for Ultrastructure Research and Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Molecular Nanotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria

e-mail: wolfgang.knoll@mpip-mainz.mpg.de

URL: http://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/documents/akkn/home.html

 

In this presentation, we describe the use of S-layer proteins as nanoscopic building blocks for the assembly of supramolecular interfacial architectures employed in bio-assays and for sensor applications.

The first example discussed concerns the use of a monolayer of S-layer proteins on a solid substrate as a support for a fluid lipid membrane. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) measurements were used to evaluate the influence of structural parameters on the functionality, in particular, the lateral mobility of this tethered bilayer platform.

The next architecture employs S-layer proteins in conjunction with secondary cell wall polymers (SCWP) for the construction of bio-affinity arrays. This way, an oriented assembly of proteins at correspondingly functionalized surfaces can be achieved. If S-layer protein fused to a streptavidin unit is used further biotinylated bio-components can be organized to the surface in a regular matrix assembly, with a variety of lateral spacings given by the lattice constants of the S-layer crystal.