Chemical and thermal denaturation of crystalline bacterial S-layer proteins: An atomic force microscopy study

A Next-Generation qPlus-Sensor-Based AFM Setup: Resolving Archaeal S-Layer Protein Structures in Air and Liquid

Surface-layer (S-layer) proteins form the outermost envelope in many bacteria and most archaea and arrange in two-dimensional quasicrystalline structures via self-assembly. We investigated S-layer proteins extracted from the archaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilium with a qPlus sensor-based atomic force microscope (AFM) in both liquid and ambient conditions and compared it to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images under vacuum conditions. For AFM scanning, a next-generation liquid cell and a new protocol for creating long and sharp sapphire tips was introduced. Initial AFM images showed only layers of residual detergent molecules (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), which are used to isolate the S-layer proteins from the cells. SDS was not visible in the TEM images, requiring more thorough sample preparation for AFM measurements. These improvements allowed us to resolve the crystallike structure of the S-layer samples with frequency-modulation AFM in both air and liquid.

S-layer proteins as immune players: tales from pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria

In bacteria, as in other microorganisms, surface compounds interact with different pattern recognition receptors expressed by host cells, which usually triggers a variety of cellular responses that result in immunomodulation. The S-layer is a two-dimensional macromolecular crystalline structure formed by (glyco)-protein subunits that covers the surface of many species of Bacteria and almost all Archaea. In Bacteria, the presence of S-layer has been described in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains. As surface components, special attention deserves the role that S-layer proteins (SLPs) play in the interaction of bacterial cells with humoral and cellular components of the immune system. In this sense, some differences can be predicted between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. In the first group, the S-layer constitutes an important virulence factor, which in turn makes it a potential therapeutic target. For the other group, the growing interest to understand the mechanisms of action of commensal microbiota and probiotic strains has prompted the studies of the role of the S-layer in the interaction between the host immune cells and bacteria bearing this surface structure. In this review, we aim to summarize the main latest reports and the perspectives of bacterial SLPs as immune players, focusing on those from pathogenic and commensal/probiotic most studied species.

The Polygonal Cell Shape and Surface Protein Layer of Anaerobic Methane-Oxidizing Methylomirabilis lanthanidiphila Bacteria

Methylomirabilis bacteria perform anaerobic methane oxidation coupled to nitrite reduction via an intra-aerobic pathway, producing carbon dioxide and dinitrogen gas. These diderm bacteria possess an unusual polygonal cell shape with sharp ridges that run along the cell body. Previously, a putative surface protein layer (S-layer) was observed as the outermost cell layer of these bacteria. We hypothesized that this S-layer is the determining factor for their polygonal cell shape. Therefore, we enriched the S-layer from M. lanthanidiphila cells and through LC-MS/MS identified a 31 kDa candidate S-layer protein, mela_00855, which had no homology to any other known protein. Antibodies were generated against a synthesized peptide derived from the mela_00855 protein sequence and used in immunogold localization to verify its identity and location. Both on thin sections of M. lanthanidiphila cells and in negative-stained enriched S-layer patches, the immunogold localization identified mela_00855 as the S-layer protein. Using electron cryo-tomography and sub-tomogram averaging of S-layer patches, we observed that the S-layer has a hexagonal symmetry. Cryo-tomography of whole cells showed that the S-layer and the outer membrane, but not the peptidoglycan layer and the cytoplasmic membrane, exhibited the polygonal shape. Moreover, the S-layer consisted of multiple rigid sheets that partially overlapped, most likely giving rise to the unique polygonal cell shape. These characteristics make the S-layer of M. lanthanidiphila a distinctive and intriguing case to study.

S-Layer Ultrafiltration Membranes

Monomolecular arrays of protein subunits forming surface layers (S-layers) are the most common outermost cell envelope components of prokaryotic organisms (bacteria and archaea). Since S-layers are periodic structures, they exhibit identical physicochemical properties for each constituent molecular unit down to the sub-nanometer level. Pores passing through S-layers show identical size and morphology and are in the range of ultrafiltration membranes. The functional groups on the surface and in the pores of the S-layer protein lattice are accessible for chemical modifications and for binding functional molecules in very precise fashion. S-layer ultrafiltration membranes (SUMs) can be produced by depositing S-layer fragments as a coherent (multi)layer on microfiltration membranes. After inter- and intramolecular crosslinking of the composite structure, the chemical and thermal resistance of these membranes was shown to be comparable to polyamide membranes. Chemical modification and/or specific binding of differently sized molecules allow the tuning of the surface properties and molecular sieving characteristics of SUMs. SUMs can be utilized as matrices for the controlled immobilization of functional biomolecules (e.g., ligands, enzymes, antibodies, and antigens) as required for many applications (e.g., biosensors, diagnostics, enzyme- and affinity-membranes). Finally, SUM represent unique supporting structures for stabilizing functional lipid membranes at meso- and macroscopic scale.

Development, structure and mechanics of a synthetic E. coli outer membrane model

The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is a complex asymmetric bilayer containing lipids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and proteins. While it is a mechanical and chemical barrier, it is also the primary surface of bacterial recognition processes that involve infection by and of the bacterium. Uncovering the mechanisms of these biological functions has been hampered by the lack of suitable model systems. Here we report the step-by-step assembly of a synthetic OM model from its fundamental components. To enable the efficient formation of a supported lipid bilayer at room temperature, dimyristoyl-phosphocholine (DMPC) was used as the lipid component to which we progressively added LPS and OM proteins. The assembled system enabled us to explore the contribution of the molecular components to the topographical structure and stability of the OM. We found that LPS prefers solid-state membrane regions and forms stable vesicles in the presence of divalent cations. LPS can gradually separate from DMPC membranes to form independent vesicles, pointing at the dynamic nature of the lipid-LPS system. The addition of OM proteins from E. coli and saturating levels of LPS to DMPC liposomes resulted in a thicker and more stable bilayer the surface of which displayed a nanoscale texture formed of parallel, curved, long (>500 nm) stripes spaced apart with a 15 nm periodicity. The synthetic membrane may facilitate the investigation of binding and recognition processes on the surface of Gram-negative bacteria.

Formation and characteristics of mixed lipid/polymer membranes on a crystalline surface-layer protein lattice

The implementation of self-assembled biomolecules on solid materials, in particular, sensor and electrode surfaces, gains increasing importance for the design of stable functional platforms, bioinspired materials, and biosensors. The present study reports on the formation of a planar hybrid lipid/polymer membrane on a crystalline surface layer protein (SLP) lattice. The latter acts as a connecting layer linking the biomolecules to the inorganic base plate. In this approach, chemically bound lipids provided hydrophobic anchoring moieties for the hybrid lipid/polymer membrane on the recrystallized SLP lattice. The rapid solvent exchange technique was the method of choice to generate the planar hybrid lipid/polymer membrane on the SLP lattice. The formation process and completeness of the latter were investigated by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and by an enzymatic assay using the protease subtilisin A, respectively. The present data provide evidence for the formation of a hybrid lipid/polymer membrane on an S-layer lattice with a diblock copolymer content of 30%. The hybrid lipid/polymer showed a higher stiffness compared to the pure lipid bilayer. Most interestingly, both the pure and hybrid membrane prevented the proteolytic degradation of the underlying S-layer protein by the action of subtilisin A. Hence, these results provide evidence for the formation of defect-free membranes anchored to the S-layer lattice.

Slp-coated liposomes for drug delivery and biomedical applications: potential and challenges

Slp forms a crystalline array of proteins on the outermost envelope of bacteria and archaea with a molecular weight of 40-200 kDa. Slp can self-assemble on the surface of liposomes in a proper environment via electrostatic interactions, which could be employed to functionalize liposomes by forming Slp-coated liposomes for various applications. Among the molecular characteristics, the stability, adhesion, and immobilization of biomacromolecules are regarded as the most meaningful. Compared to plain liposomes, Slp-coated liposomes show excellent physicochemical and biological stabilities. Recently, Slp-coated liposomes were shown to specifically adhere to the gastrointestinal tract, which was attributed to the "ligand-receptor interaction" effect. Furthermore, Slp as a "bridge" can immobilize functional biomacromol-ecules on the surface of liposomes via protein fusion technology or intermolecular forces, endowing liposomes with beneficial functions. In view of these favorable features, Slp-coated liposomes are highly likely to be an ideal platform for drug delivery and biomedical uses. This review aims to provide a general framework for the structure and characteristics of Slp and the interactions between Slp and liposomes, to highlight the unique properties and drug delivery as well as the biomedical applications of the Slp-coated liposomes, and to discuss the ongoing challenges and perspectives.

Applicability of two-dimensional surface model in bacterial biosorption system: an advanced approach in bioremediation of metal ions

The surface of Bacillus VMSDCM (accession no. HQ108109) has been characterized at various pH values of the experimental solution. The boundary values of conditional parameter were used to develop a mathematical six lumped stochastic model for studying the surface chemistry of the bacterium cells. The results of the model were statistically analyzed to understand the strength of the proposed model. The simulation of the model was performed in Turbo C++ interface. The convergence values of the model were recorded and all the asymptotic points were neglected. The optimum values of model were reiterated to identify the intermittent values of maximum number of active sites, concentration of hydrides and hydroxides of calcium and magnesium and difference between the theoretical and experimental count of active sites. The values of zeta potential indicated towards the ionization of negatively charged surface functional groups at higher values of pH. The results of the present investigation revealed the fact that changes in the values of conditional parameter (pH) may create a drift in design parameters of a batch or continuous column reactor, fabricated for biosorption-cum-bioaccumulation of metal ions (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) across liquid phase.

In-situ 2D bacterial crystal growth as a function of protein concentration: An atomic force microscopy study

The interplay between protein concentration and (observation) time has been investigated for the adsorption and crystal growth of the bacterial SbpA proteins on hydrophobic fluoride-functionalized SiO2 surfaces. For this purpose, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been performed in real-time for monitoring protein crystal growth at different protein concentrations. Results reveal that (1) crystal formation occurs at concentrations above 0.08 µM and (2) the compliance of the formed crystal decreases by increasing protein concentration. All the crystal domains observed presented similar lattice parameters (being the mean value for the unit cell: a = 14.8 ± 0.5 nm, b = 14.7 ± 0.5 nm, γ = 90 ° ± 2). Protein film formation is shown to take place from initial nucleation points which originate a gradual and fast extension of the crystalline domains. The Avrami equation describes well the experimental results. Overall, the results suggest that protein-substrate interactions prevail over protein-protein interactions. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: AFM enables to monitor protein crystallization in real-time. AFM high-resolution determines lattice parameters and viscoelastic properties. S-layer crystal growth rate increases with protein concentration. Avrami equation models protein crystal growth.

Gamma-irradiation-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae potently induces the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in human bronchial epithelial cells

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major respiratory pathogen that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media. Although capsular polysaccharide-based vaccines are commercially available, there is a need for broad-spectrum, serotype-independent, and cost-effective vaccines. Recently, an intranasal vaccine formulated with gamma-irradiated nonencapsulated S. pneumoniae whole cells has been developed and its immunogenicity is under investigation. Since innate immunity influences the subsequent adaptive immunity, in the present study, we investigated the immunostimulatory activity of gamma-irradiated S. pneumoniae (r-SP) in the human bronchial epithelial cell-line, BEAS-2B, by comparing with heat-inactivated S. pneumoniae (h-SP) and formalin-inactivated S. pneumoniae (f-SP). r-SP potently induced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas h-SP and f-SP poorly induced them. Of note, the mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were approximately two-fold higher when cells were stimulated with 3 × 10⁷ CFU/ml of r-SP for 3 h, while the protein levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were approximately five-fold higher after stimulation with 3 × 10⁷ CFU/ml of r-SP for 24 h. Furthermore, r-SP exhibited potent activation of Toll-like receptor 2 compared with h-SP or f-SP. The expression of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by r-SP was mediated through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Remarkably, when r-SP was further treated with heat or formalin, there was a decrease in the aforementioned activities. Taken together, we suggest that r-SP stimulates the human respiratory epithelial cells to produce the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, which might influence the induction of adaptive immune responses.

Cation-chelation and pH induced controlled switching of the non-fouling properties of bacterial crystalline films

We report the controlled loss of the anti-fouling activity of the S-layer protein SbpA from Lysinibacillus sphaericus (CCM2177). This protein forms crystal-like films with square lattice (p4) via self-assembly on almost any type of surfaces. Such engineered bioinspired nanometric membranes are known by their excellent preventive performance under biological conditions. However, their exposure to certain treatments can lead to gradual degradation of the S-protein layer. In this work, two distinctive approaches are studied for understanding either specific or non-specific degradation of the film, by treatment with a chelating agent (EDTA), which interacts with inner Ca²⁺ ions, or Citrate buffer (with pH<pI), respectively. Subsequently, the degraded protein films have been tested upon binding of polyelectrolytes of different charge and endothelial HUVEC cells, and their performance compared to that of intact S-layers. The SbpA protein layer degradation process as well as its impact on the loss of anti-fouling properties have been characterized, in terms of mass and structural changes, by means of real time quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring, atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments, and fluorescence microscopy. The results show that overall structure degradation (citrate buffer) has a higher impact on the loss of antifouling properties than selective removal of divalent cations. Thus, crystal structure integrity is a necessary condition for bacterial antifouling properties.

Time influence on the interaction between Cyt2Aa2 and lipid/cholesterol bilayers

Protein-membrane interactions are still an important topic of investigation. One of the suitable experimental techniques used by the scientific community to address such question is atomic force microscopy. In a previous work, we have reported that the binding mechanism between the cytolytic and antimicrobial protein (Cyt2Aa2) and lipid/cholesterol bilayers was concentration-dependent, leading to either the formation of holes in the bilayer or aggregates. Here we study such binding mechanism as a function of time at low protein concentrations (10 µg/mL). We demonstrate that although holes are formed during the first stages of the protein-lipid interaction, a reparation process due to molecular mobility in the bilayer leads to a homogenous and isotropic protein-lipid/cholesterol layer within 3 hr. The combination of imaging, force spectroscopy, and phase contrast delivered information about topography dynamics (molecular mobility), layer thickness, and mechanical properties of the protein-lipid/cholesterol system. These results highlight the importance of the observation time in (such type of) protein-lipid interactions (at low protein concentrations).

Characterization of a nanoscale S-layer protein based template for biomolecular patterning

Well organized template for biomolecular conjugation is the foundation for biosensing. Most of the current devices are fabricated using lithographic patterning processes and self-assembly monolayer (SAM) methods. However, the research toward developing a sub-10 nm patterned, self-regenerated template on various types of substrates is limited, mainly due to the limited functional groups of the building material. Bacterial surface layer proteins (S-layer proteins) can self-assemble into ordered lattice with regular pore sizes of 2-8 nm on different material supports and interfaces. The ordered structure can regenerate after extreme variations of solvent conditions. In this work, we developed a nanoscale biomolecular template based on S-layer proteins on gold surface for fabrication of sensing layer in biosensors. S-layer proteins were isolated from Bacillus cereus, Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Geobacillus stearothermophilus. Protein concentrations were measured by Bradford assay. The protein purities were verified by SDS-PAGE, showing molecular weights ranging from 97-135 kDa. The hydrophilicity of the substrate surface was measured after surface treatments of protein recrystallization. Atomic force microscopic (AFM) measurement was performed on substrate surface, indicating a successful immobilization of a monolayer of S-layer protein with 8-9 nm height on gold surface. The template can be applied on various material supports and acts as a self-regenerated sensing layer of biosensors in the future.

Recrystallized S-layer protein of a probiotic Propionibacterium: structural and nanomechanical changes upon temperature or pH shifts probed by solid-state NMR and AFM

Surface protein layers (S layers) are common constituents of the bacterial cell wall and originate from the assembly of strain-dependent surface layer proteins (Slps). These proteins are thought to play important roles in the bacteria's biology and to have very promising technological applications as biomaterials or as part of cell-host cross-talk in probiotic mechanism. The SlpA from Propionibacterium freudenreichii PFCIRM 118 strain was isolated and recrystallized to investigate organization and assembly of the protein using atomic force microscopy and solid-state (1)H and (13)C-nuclear magnetic resonance. SlpA was found to form hexagonal p1 monolayer lattices where the protein exhibited high proportions of disordered regions and of bound water. The lattice structure was maintained, but softened, upon mild heating or acidification, probably in relation with the increasing mobilities of the disordered protein regions. These results gave structural insights on the mobile protein regions exposed by S layer films, upon physiologically relevant changes of their environmental conditions.

Immobilization of microorganisms for AFM studies in liquids

Reproducible immobilization method even for living eukaryotes and prokaryotes on polyelectrolyte coated surfaces for high resolution AFM imaging in liquids.

The grab-and-drop protocol: a novel strategy for membrane protein isolation and reconstitution from single cells

Samples of cell membrane were non-destructively removed from individual, live cells using optically trapped beads, and deposited into a supported lipid bilayer mounted on an S-layer protein-coated substrate.

Multidimensional Assembly of S-Layer Proteins on Mobility-Controlled Polyelectrolyte Multilayers

Polyelectrolyte multilayers have been vastly utilized as an assembling platform for various biomaterials because of their soft and charged surface characteristics, analogous to biomembrane systems. In particular, polyelectrolyte chains with high self-diffusivity can effectively transfer the surface mobility to the assembling biomolecular species, facilitating the ordered self-assembly. Herein, highly diffusional cationic polyelectrolyte chains of linear polyethylenimine are employed to induce direct binding with negatively charged bacterial surface layer proteins, which eventually lead to large-scale two-dimensional crystals. Notably, at the elevated incubation temperature, a transitory intermediate of one-dimensional chain structure is observed. We reveal that this one-dimensional intermediate is a stable precursor toward two-dimensional crystal arrays.

Influence of surface chemistry and protein concentration on the adsorption rate and S-layer crystal formation

Bacterial crystalline surface layers (S-layers) are the outermost envelope of prokaryotic organisms representing the simplest biological membranes developed during evolution. In this context, the bacterial protein SbpA has already shown its intrinsic ability to reassemble on different substrates forming protein crystals of square lattice symmetry. In this work, we present the interaction between the bacterial protein SbpA and five self-assembled monolayers carrying methyl (CH(3)), hydroxyl (OH), carboxylic acid (COOH) and mannose (C(6)H(12)O(6)) as functional groups. Protein adsorption and S-layer formation have been characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) while protein adsorption kinetics, mass uptake and the protein layer viscoelastic properties were investigated with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The results indicate that the protein adsorption rate and crystalline domain area depend on surface chemistry and protein concentration. Furthermore, electrostatic interactions tune different protein rate adsorption and S-layer recrystallization pathways. Electrostatic interactions induce faster adsorption rate than hydrophobic or hydrophilic interactions. Finally, the shear modulus and the viscosity of the recrystallized S-layer on CH(3)C(6)S, CH(3)C(11)S and COOHC(11)S substrates were calculated from QCM-D measurements. Protein-protein interactions seem to play a main role in the mechanical stability of the formed protein (crystal) bilayer.

Bilayer lipid membrane formation on a chemically modified S-layer lattice

The present paper describes the generation of a biomimetic model lipid membrane on bacterial surface (S-)layer which covered the entire surface of various sensors. The S-layer lattice allows one to be independent from the underlying solid material and provides a biological surface and anchoring structure for lipid membranes. S-layer proteins were chemically modified via binding of two amine-terminated phospholipids. Subsequently, a bimolecular lipid membrane anchored to the previously generated viscoelastic lipid monolayer was generated by the rapid solvent exchange technique. Characterization of the intermediate (monolayer) and final membrane structures (bilayer) was performed by imaging, surface-sensitive, and electrochemical techniques. This bilayer lipid membrane generated on an S-layer lattice revealed a thickness of ∼6 nm and constitutes a stable supported model membrane system with highly isolating properties showing a membrane resistance of 8.5 MΩ × cm(2).

Application of AFM from microbial cell to biofilm

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has proven itself over recent years as an essential tool for the analysis of microbial systems. This article will review how AFM has been used to study microbial systems to provide unique insight into their behavior and relationship with their environment. Immobilization of live cells has enabled AFM imaging and force measurement to provide understanding of the structure and function of numerous microbial cells. At the macromolecular level AFM investigation into the properties of surface macromolecules and the energies associated with their mechanical conformation and functionality has helped unravel the complex interactions of microbial cells. At the level of the whole cell AFM has provided an integrated analysis of how the microbial cell exploits its environment through its selective, adaptable interface, the cell surface. In addition to these areas of study the AFM investigation of microbial biofilms has been vital for industrial and medical process analysis. There exists a tremendous potential for the future application of AFM to microbial systems and this has been strengthened by the trend to use AFM in combination with other characterization methods, such as confocal microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, to elucidate dynamic cellular processes.

Surface dependence of protein nanocrystal formation

The self-assembly kinetics and nanocrystal formation of the bacterial surface-layer-protein SbpA are studied with a combination of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Silane coupling agents, aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), are used to vary the protein-surface interaction in order to induce new recrystallization pathways. The results show that the final S-layer crystal lattice parameters (a = b = 14 nm, gamma = 90 degrees ), the layer thickness (15 nm), and the adsorbed mass density (1700 ng cm(-2)) are independent of the surface chemistry. Nevertheless, the adsorption rate is five times faster on APTS and OTS than on SiO(2,) strongly affecting protein nucleation and growth. As a consequence, protein crystalline domains of 0.02 microm(2) for APTS and 0.05 microm(2) for OTS are formed, while for silicon dioxide the protein domains have a typical size of about 32 microm(2). In addition, more-rigid crystalline protein layers are formed on hydrophobic substrates. In situ AFM experiments reveal three different kinetic steps: adsorption, self-assembly, and crystalline-domain reorganization. These steps are corroborated by frequency-dissipation curves. Finally, it is shown that protein adsorption is a diffusion-driven process. Experiments at different protein concentrations demonstrate that protein adsorption saturates at 0.05 mg mL(-1) on silane-coated substrates and at 0.07 mg mL(-1) on hydrophilic silicon dioxide.

Composite S-layer lipid structures

Designing and utilization of biomimetic membrane systems generated by bottom-up processes is a rapidly growing scientific and engineering field. Elucidation of the supramolecular construction principle of archaeal cell envelopes composed of S-layer stabilized lipid membranes led to new strategies for generating highly stable functional lipid membranes at meso- and macroscopic scale. In this review, we provide a state of the art survey how S-layer proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides may be used as basic building blocks for the assembly of S-layer supported lipid membranes. These biomimetic membrane systems are distinguished by a nanopatterned fluidity, enhanced stability and longevity and thus, provide a dedicated reconstitution matrix for membrane-active peptides and transmembrane proteins. Exciting areas for application of composite S-layer membrane systems concern sensor systems involving specific membrane functions.

Thermal stability, mechanical properties and content of bacterial protein layers recrystallized on polyelectrolyte multilayers

The influence of the temperature on the surface topology, layer thickness and density of recrystallized bacterial S-layers from Bacillus sphaericus CCM2177 on polyelectrolyte multilayers in contact with liquid water was investigated. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) was used to monitor the build-up of the polyelectrolyte multilayer and the adsorption of S-layer protein (1600 ng cm-2). The critical temperature (55 °C) at which the S-layer loses its 2-D structure was obtained from atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confirmed by neutron reflectometry (NR) experiments. The process of S-layer denaturation was found to be irreversible. Aggregates of denatured S-proteins resist lower loads than the crystalline nanostructure formed from folded S-proteins. The combination of the QCM-D results with the scattering length density and film thickness (14 nm) obtained from neutron reflectometry studies permitted the estimation of the density of adsorbed S-protein together with the bound water (M = 1.16 g cm-3), the dry protein scattering length density (2.02 × 10-6 Å-2) and the S-protein mass density (1.48 g cm-3). The results confirmed that S-proteins form very loosely packed layers on polyelectrolyte multilayers incorporating a water volume fraction of around 68%.

High-affinity tags fused to s-layer proteins probed by atomic force microscopy

Two-dimensional, crystalline bacterial cell surface layers, termed S-layers, are one of the most commonly observed cell surface structures of prokaryotic organisms. In the present study, genetically modified S-layer protein SbpA of Bacillus sphaericus CCM 2177 carrying the short affinity peptide Strep-tag I or Strep-tag II at the C terminus was used to generate a 2D crystalline monomolecular protein lattice on a silicon surface. Because of the genetic modification, the 2D crystals were addressable via Strep-tag through streptavidin molecules. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the topography of the single-molecules array and the functionality of the fused Strep-tags. In high-resolution imaging under near-physiological conditions, structural details such as protein alignment and spacing were resolved. By applying molecular recognition force microscopy, the Strep-tag moieties were proven to be fully functional and accessible. For this purpose, streptavidin molecules were tethered to AFM tips via approximately 8-nm-long flexible polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers. These functionalized tips showed specific interactions with 2D protein crystals containing either the Strep-tag I or Strep-tag II, with similar energetic and kinetic behavior in both cases.

Structure, surface interactions, and compressibility of bacterial S-layers through scanning force microscopy and the surface force apparatus

Two-dimensional crystalline bacterial surface layers (S-layers) are found in a broad range of bacteria and archaea as the outermost cell envelope component. The self-assembling properties of the S-layers permit them to recrystallize on solid substrates. Beyond their biological interest as S-layers, they are currently used in nanotechnology to build supramolecular structures. Here, the structure of S-layers and the interactions between them are studied through surface force techniques. Scanning force microscopy has been used to study the structure of recrystallized S-layers from Bacillus sphaericus on mica at different 1:1 electrolyte concentrations. They give evidence of the two-dimensional organization of the proteins and reveal small corrugations of the S-layers formed on mica. The lattice parameters of the S-layers were a=b=14 nm, gamma=90 degrees and did not depend on the electrolyte concentration. The interaction forces between recrystallized S-layers on mica were studied with the surface force apparatus as a function of electrolyte concentration. Force measurements show that electrostatic and steric interactions are dominant at long distances. When the S-layers are compressed they exhibit elastic behavior. No adhesion between recrystallized layers takes place. We report for the first time, to our knowledge, the value of the compressibility modulus of the S-layer (0.6 MPa). The compressibility modulus is independent on the electrolyte concentration, although loads of 20 mN m-1 damage the layer locally. Control experiments with denatured S-proteins show similar elastic properties under compression but they exhibit adhesion forces between proteins, which were not observed in recrystallized S-layers.