Role of viscogens on the macromolecular assemblies of fibrinogen at liquid/air and solid/air interfaces

Biointerphases. 2015 Jun 10;10(2):021009. doi: 10.1116/1.4922291.

Abstract

In this study, an attempt has been made to understand the organization and association of fibrinogen (Fg) in solvent environment induced by viscogens such as 1-ethyl 3-methyl imidazolium ethyl sulfate (IL-emes), Ficoll, and Trehalose. The author observed that Fg in IL-emes adsorbed on solid surface shows higher β-sheet conformation. Shear viscosity measured using quartz crystal microbalance, for Fg in IL-emes was highest with a corresponding higher adsorbed mass 3.26 μg/cm(2). Associated assemblies of the protein at the liquid/air interface were monitored with changes in surface tension and were used to calculate work of adhesion. Changes in work of adhesion were used as a tool to measure the adsorption of Fg to solid surfaces in presence of viscogens and highest adsorption was observed for hydrophilic surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy images show Fg in trehalose forms elongated bead like structures implying organization of the protein at the interface. Crowding in the solvent environment induced by viscogens can slow down organization of Fg, leading to macromolecular assemblies near the interface.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Fibrinogen / metabolism*
  • Ficoll / metabolism*
  • Imidazoles / metabolism*
  • Macromolecular Substances / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Protein Multimerization / drug effects*
  • Trehalose / metabolism*
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Ficoll
  • Fibrinogen
  • Trehalose
  • 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium