Azurin-Poly(N-isopropylacrylainide) Conjugates by Site-Directed Mutagenesis and their Thermosensitive Behavior in Electron-Transfer Processes

摘要

Peptide and protein polymer conjugates have recently received increased attention. The activity and structure of the biohybrid materials can be modulated as a function of the polymer attached. If "smart" stimuli-responsive polymers are bound, the corresponding bioconjugates respond to external stimuli such as light, pH, or temperature.As "smart" polymer, the thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) has been used to prepare "intelligent" biohybrid materials. Below 32 °C the polymer is soluble in water in the chain-extended hydrated state. Above the so-called lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymer chains collapse and turn into their hydrophobic state. This phase switch can be used to induce biological responses of PNIPAM-biomol-ecule conjugates.