How do proteins adsorb at water/oil interfaces? The example of a bacterial hydrophobin
How do proteins adsorb at water/oil interfaces? The example of a bacterial hydrophobin
- Event time: 1:00pm
- Event date: 28th April 2014
- Speaker: Giovanni Brandani (Formerly School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
- Location: Room 2511, James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) James Clerk Maxwell Building Peter Guthrie Tait Road Edinburgh EH9 3FD GB
Event details
We investigate the mechanism of surface activity of the protein BslA via molecular dynamics simulations. This surfactant protein provides the first example of a bacterial hydrophobin, crucial for the formation of a hydrophobic film around Bacillus subtilis biofilms. Free energy calculations enable us to quantify the effect of mutations on the surface activity, and they suggest that the protein might undergo a conformational change upon adsorption. Finally, using a simple model of a Janus colloidal particle, we characterise the different forces that control the adsorption and the equilibrium orientation at the interface.
About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars
This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..