Centre current affairs

09/07/2010

Fluorescent S-layer protein colloids

This research work carried in the laboratory of José L. Toca-Herrera in collaboration with the Department of NanoBiotechnology (BOKU-Vienna), describes the making of pH-dependent biocolloids using fluorescent S-layer fusion protein technology as coating, scaffold and sensing element simultaneously.

Four different monodispersed homogenous fluorescent S-layer biocolloids were made combining the intrinsic self assembling capability of the S-layer protein SgsE on silicon dioxide particles, and the controlled pH dependent fluorescence properties of fused cyan ECFP, green EGFP, yellow YFP and red mRFP1 fluorescent proteins. These novel fluorescent S-layer biocolloids represent a strong tool for pH-biosensor setups and surface pH determination. They are currently been used as markers for controlled cellular uptake studies.

Title: Fluorescent S-layer protein colloids

Authors: Birgit Kainz, Kerstin Steiner, Uwe B. Sleytr, Dietmar Pum and José L. Toca-Herrera

Journal: Soft Matter (2010) DOI:10.1039/C0SM00008F