Aligned Immobilization of Proteins Using AC Electric Fields. Issue 11 (18th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laux, Eva‐Maria; Knigge, Xenia; Bier, Frank F.; Wenger, Christian; Hölzel, Ralph
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 12:Issue 11(2016)
• Page Start: 1514
• Page End: 1520
• Publication Date: 2016-01-18
• Subjects: alternating current electroosmotic flow -- dielectrophoresis -- enhanced green fluorescent protein -- molecular alignment -- nanomanipulation; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201503052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract : Protein molecules are aligned and immobilized from solution by AC electric fields. In a single‐step experiment, the enhanced green fluorescent proteins are immobilized on the surface as well as at the edges of planar nanoelectrodes. Alignment is found to follow the molecules' geometrical shape with their longitudinal axes parallel to the electric field. Simultaneous dielectrophoretic attraction and AC electroosmotic flow are identified as the dominant forces causing protein movement and alignment. Molecular orientation is determined by fluorescence microscopy based on polarized excitation of the proteins' chromophores. The chromophores' orientation with respect to the whole molecule supports X‐ray crystal data. Abstract : Protein molecules are immobilized and aligned from solution by purely electrical means. Alignment of the enhanced green fluorescent protein is determined by polarized light fluorescence microscopy, as is the orientation of the chromophore's transition dipole moment. Protein attraction and alignment are caused by dielectrophoresis and AC electroosmotic flow.