Search results for " dynamic light scattering"

Quantitative analysis of the impact of a human pathogenic mutation on the CCT5 chaperonin subunit using a proxy archaeal ortholog

2017

The human chaperonin complex is a ~ 1 MDa nanomachine composed of two octameric rings formed from eight similar but non-identical subunits called CCT. Here, we are elucidating the mechanism of a heritable CCT5 subunit mutation that causes profound neuropathy in humans. In previous work, we introduced an equivalent mutation in an archaeal chaperonin that assembles into two octameric rings like in humans but in which all subunits are identical. We reported that the hexadecamer formed by the mutant subunit is unstable with impaired chaperoning functions. This study quantifies the loss of structural stability in the hexadecamer due to the pathogenic mutation, using differential scanning calorim…

Incorporation of the bacterial reaction centre into dendrimersomes

2012

For the first time the ability of the first generation dendrimer belonging to the family of polyester-benzylether, (3,5)12G1-PE-BMPA-(OH)4, to form dendrimersomes is presented together with their capability to reconstitute the integral membrane protein complex called Reaction Centre (RC) purified from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Size, polydispersity and time stability of the empty and protein containing dendrimersomes are presented together with the photochemical activity of the guest protein. The RC presence appears to strongly enhance the self-assembly properties of the Janus dendrimer, leading to the formation of proteo-dendrimersomes showing a photochemical act…

Modulating the self-assembly of thermosensitive block copolymers by selective cyclodextrins

2009

Chemical and physical characterization of thermal aggregation of model proteins modulated by zinc(II) and copper(II) ions

2016

BACKGROUND: Metal ions are implicated in protein aggregation processes of several neurodegenerative pathologies, where the protein deposition occurs, and in the biotechnology field like the food technology where many processes in food manufacturing are based on thermal treatments. OBJECTIVE: The influence of Cu2+ or Zn2+ ions on the thermal aggregation process of Bovine beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), two protein models, was studied with the aim of delineating the role of these ions in the protein aggregation kinetics and to clarify the related molecular mechanisms. METHODS: The protein structure changes were monitored by Raman spectroscopy, whereas the aggregate gr…

Metal ions modulate thermal aggregation of betalactoglobulin: a join chemical and physical characterization

2014

Abstract Molecular basis of the role played by Cu 2 + and Zn 2 + ions during the thermal aggregation processes of beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) was studied by using a joint application of different techniques. In particular, Raman spectroscopy was very useful in identifying the different effects caused by the two metals at molecular level (i.e. changes in His protonation state, disulfides bridge conformation, and micro-environment of aromatic residues), evidencing the primary importance of the protein charge distribution during the aggregation process. Both metal ions are able to act on this factor and favor the protein aggregation, but Zn 2 + is able to alter the natural conformational state of…

Investigation on the stability of dispersion of zirconia nanoparticles prepared by microwave- hydrothermal synthesis

2005

Difficulties in reproducing the performances of nanoparticles dispersions are obstructive for the progress of the nanotechnology. A plausible reason for this variability is the lack of the control of the stability as well as the dimensions of the nanoparticles in the dispersions. In this work we report results of investigations on the stability of zirconia nanoparticles in aqueous medium, monitoring nanoparticles sizes by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Nanocrystalline zirconia powders, prepared by microwave-hydrothermal synthesis, were determined to be 6-8 nm in size by TEM observations. By using DLS technique the as-prepared dispersions wit…

A fluorescence study of the loading and time stability of doxorubicin in sodium cholate/PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer mixed micelles

2019

Abstract Hypothesis Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DX) is one of the most powerful anticancer agents though its clinical use is impaired by severe undesired side effects. DX encapsulation in nanocarrier systems has been introduced as a mean to reduce its toxicity. Micelles of the nonionic triblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) (PEO-PPO-PEO), are very promising carrier systems. The positive charge of DX confines the drug to the hydrophilic corona region of the micelles. The use of mixed micelles of PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers and a negatively charged bile salt should favour the solubilization of DX in the apolar core region of the micelles. Experiments We st…