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Ion-Exchange Membranes for Stable Derivatization of Protein Crystals

Year: 2017

Journal: Cryst. Growth Des., Volume 17, SEP, page 4563–4572

Authors: Polino, Mariella; Carvalho, Ana Luisa; Juknaite, Lina; Portugal, Carla A. M.; Coelhoso, Isabel M.; Romao, Maria Joao; Crespo, Joao G.

Organizations: Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) under EUDIME; Associated Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry Clean Processes and Technologies-LAQV - FCT/MCTES [UID/QUI/50006/2013]; ERDF [POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007265, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007728]; Unidade de Ciencias Biomoleculares Aplicadas-UCIBIO - FCT/MCTES [UID/Multi/04378/2013]; Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, Portugal [RECI/BBB-BEP/0124/2012]; [PTDC/BBB-BEP/3058/2012]

Ion-exchange membranes were applied in this work to diffuse ions and heavy atoms inside protein crystals in order to gently perform their derivatization. The ion-exchange process rate for three different ions, bromide (Br-), platinum (Pt+ through PtCl42-, and mercury (Hg2+), was evaluated; allowing to determine the concentration of these ions in the crystal solution over time and to evaluate their effect on the crystals. Nafion and Neosepta AXE01, cation and anion exchange-membranes, respectively, were used for transport of cations and anions to hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) crystals, selected as model protein. X-ray diffraction analysis of the crystals confirmed the attainment of the derivatives and allowed the ab initio building of the bromide derivative model. Derivatization experiments were also conducted by the conventional method, directly soaking the crystals in the heavy atom solution. It was possible to conclude that the controlled diffusion, regulated by the membrane, increases the crystal's stability, avoiding handling procedures (in situ derivatiation) and maintaining a safer environment near the crystals without disturbing the vapor diffusion equilibrium.