Production of lysozyme nanofibers using deep eutectic solvent aqueous solutions

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces, B, Biointerfaces Vol. 147; pp. 36 - 44
• Main Authors: Silva, Nuno H.C.S., Pinto, Ricardo J.B., Freire, Carmen S.R., Marrucho, Isabel M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.11.2016
• Subjects: Animals; Biosensors; Chickens; Chlorides; Female; Fibrillation; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Lysozyme; Models, Molecular; Morphology; Muramidase - chemistry; Nanofibers; Nanofibers - chemistry; Nanostructure; Solvents; Solvents - chemistry; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds
• ISSN: 0927-7765; 1873-4367
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.07.005

[Display omitted] •New and faster method for HEWL fibrillation using a deep eutectic solvent.•The conversion ratios of HEWL into protein nanofibers using a DES are higher than 90%.•Temperature has a key role in the acceleration of the fibrillation.•Temperature and pH significantly influence fibrils dimensions.•The fibril dimensions of 0.5–1μm in length and 0.02–0.1μm in thickness were obtained. Amyloid fibrils have recently gained a lot of attention due to their morphology, functionality and mechanical strength, allowing for their application in nanofiber-based materials, biosensors, bioactive membranes and tissue engineering scaffolds. The in vitro production of amyloid fibrils is still a slow process, thus hampering the massive production of nanofibers and its consequent use. This work presents a new and faster (2–3h) fibrillation method for hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) using a deep eutectic solvent based on cholinium chloride and acetic acid. Nanofibers with dimensions of 0.5–1μm in length and 0.02–0.1μm in thickness were obtained. Experimental variables such as temperature and pH were also studied, unveiling their influence in fibrillation time and nanofibers morphology. These results open a new scope for protein fibrillation into nanofibers with applications ranging from medicine to soft matter and nanotechnology.