Size sorting of protein assemblies using polymeric gradient surfaces

Nano Lett. 2005 Oct;5(10):1910-4. doi: 10.1021/nl051235h.

Abstract

We report on a novel approach for the size-dependent fractionation of protein assemblies on polymeric surfaces. Using a simple temperature gradient method to generate one-dimensional gradients of grafted poly(ethylene glycol), we fabricated silicon-oxide chips with a gradually changing surface density of kinesin motor molecules. We demonstrate that such a bioactive surface can be used to sort gliding microtubules according to their length. To our knowledge, this is the first example of the self-organized sorting of protein assemblies on surfaces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Fractionation / methods*
  • Kinesins / chemistry
  • Kinesins / isolation & purification*
  • Microchip Analytical Procedures*
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / chemistry
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / isolation & purification*
  • Microtubules / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Oxides / chemistry
  • Silicon / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Oxides
  • Kinesins
  • Silicon