S-layer directed nanoscale fluid mechanics
Abstract
The main objective of this research project is the investigation of the anti-fouling properties and fluid mechanics of S-layers. Bacterial S(urface)-layers are the most commonly observed cell surface structures in prokaryotic organisms (Bacteria and Archaea). S-layers are isoporous protein mesh works with unit cell sizes in the range of 3 to 30 nm, thicknesses of 5 to 10 nm (up to 70 nm in archaea), and pore sizes of 2 to 8 nm. S-layer lattices are formed in solution or at various interfaces including solid supports by self-assembly of the constituent native or recombinant proteins. Many of the specific functions assigned to S-layers depend on the completeness of the covering and the structural and physicochemical repetitive uniformity down to the sub-nanometer scale. However, a striking feature of S-layers are their excellent anti-fouling properties that can be deduced from TEM-micrographs of freeze-etched preparations. In this context, it may be speculated that this phenomenon may also lead to a reduced flow resistance in water and consequently to a higher motility of the flagella driven cell. Both phenomena shall be studied on the basis of the assumption that the structure of the water layer “locked-in” by the S-layer is modified. The results of this work are primarily relevant for basic research concerning fluid mechanics on molecular scale as determined by the natural S-layer self-assembly system. Nevertheless, we would like to anticipate that the achievements might provide the basis for novel developments in biocompatible non-wetting surfaces as required in micro total analysis systems (uTAS), (bio)chemical sensors, High Throughput Screening (HTS) devices for DNA analysis, or ink jet printing of complex fluids.
S-layer proteins water structure self-cleaning surfaces rheology fluid mechanics
Publikationen
S-layer directed nanoscale fluid mechanics
Autoren: Pum, D; Toca-Herrera, JL; Sleytr, UB; Jahr: 2016
Forschungsbericht (extern. Auftraggeber)
S-layer directed nanoscale fluid mechanics
Autoren: Pum, D; Toca-Herrera, JL; Sleytr, UB Jahr: 2018
Forschungsbericht (extern. Auftraggeber)
Project staff
Dietmar Pum
Ao.Univ.Prof.i.R. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Dietmar Pum
dietmar.pum@boku.ac.at
Project Leader
30.09.2015 - 29.09.2018
Uwe B. Sleytr
Em.O.Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Uwe B. Sleytr
uwe.sleytr@boku.ac.at
Sub Projectleader
30.09.2015 - 29.09.2018
Andreas Breitwieser
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Andreas Breitwieser
andreas.breitwieser@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-80339
Project Staff
30.09.2015 - 29.09.2018
José Luis Toca-Herrera
Univ.Prof. Dr. José Luis Toca-Herrera
jose.toca-herrera@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-80311
Sub Projectleader
30.09.2015 - 29.09.2018