Immobilization of Ferrocene-Modified SNAP-Fusion Proteins

The Evolution of SNAP-Tag Labels

The conjugation of proteins with synthetic molecules can be conducted in many different ways. In this Perspective, we focus on tag-based techniques and specifically on the SNAP-tag technology. The SNAP-tag technology makes use of a fusion protein between a protein of interest and an enzyme tag that enables the actual conjugation reaction. The SNAP-tag is based on the O⁶-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) enzyme and is optimized to react selectively with O⁶-benzylguanine (BG) substrates. BG-containing dye derivatives have frequently been used to introduce a fluorescent tag to a specific protein. We believe that the site-specific conjugation of polymers to proteins can significantly benefit from the SNAP-tag technology. Especially, polymers synthesized via reversible deactivation radical polymerization allow for the facile introduction of a BG end group to enable SNAP-tag conjugation.

Supra-blot: an accurate and reliable assay for detecting target proteins with a synthetic host molecule–enzyme hybrid

A new way to detect target proteins is developed using a high-affinity host–guest interaction for a wide variety of biological samples including bacteria and mammalian cells.

Can we beat the biotin-avidin pair?: cucurbit[7]uril-based ultrahigh affinity host-guest complexes and their applications

The design of synthetic, monovalent host-guest molecular recognition pairs is still challenging and of particular interest to inquire into the limits of the affinity that can be achieved with designed systems. In this regard, cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), an important member of the host family cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n], n = 5-8, 10, 14), has attracted much attention because of its ability to form ultra-stable complexes with multiple guests. The strong hydrophobic effect between the host cavity and guests, ion-dipole and dipole-dipole interactions of guests with CB portals helps in cooperative and multiple noncovalent interactions that are essential for realizing such strong complexations. These highly selective, strong yet dynamic interactions can be exploited in many applications including affinity chromatography, biomolecule immobilization, protein isolation, biological catalysis, and sensor technologies. In this review, we summarize the progress in the development of high affinity guests for CB[7], factors affecting the stability of complexes, theoretical insights, and the utility of these high affinity pairs in different challenging applications.

Nonfouling tunable βCD dextran polymer films for protein applications

Polymeric β-cyclodextrin (βCD) films tunable with respect to thickness and βCD content were prepared in order to develop a suitable platform, allowing for inclusion of nonpolar guest molecules in the βCD cavity, while suppressing nonspecific protein adsorption. The βCD films were synthesized from linear βCD dextran polymers, and grafted onto silicon oxide surfaces by "click" chemistry. Topographic and morphological characteristics are controllable by reaction conditions and polymer type, with average film heights from 2.5 to 12.5 nm. Reversible introduction of electrostatic charges in the βCD dextran by complex formation with 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid prior to surface grafting resulted in a thinner and denser film, presumably by decompaction of the polymers. Total internal reflection fluorescence spectroscopy (TIRF) was employed to evaluate the accessibility of βCD cavities to the fluorescent probe 2-anilinonaphthalene-6-sulfonic acid. Only a minor fraction of the βCD cavities was accessible in the thicker and less dense films; however, accessibility was largely improved with increased ionic strength using NaCl up to 1 M. Antifouling properties of the βCD dextran polymer films were assessed by TIRF real-time monitoring, using bovine serum albumin as a model protein, and showed a 5- to 10-fold reduction in nonspecific adsorption as compared to a bare quartz surface with the degree of reduction reflecting film thickness and interfacial polymer density.

Considerations and protocols for the synthesis of custom protein labeling probes

Chemists and biologists have long recognized small molecule probes as powerful tools for functional genomics and proteomics studies. The possibility of specifically attaching chemical probes to individual proteins with spatial and temporal resolution has greatly improved our ability to visualize and characterize proteins in their native environment. The continued development of novel molecular probes for protein labeling is, therefore, of fundamental importance to gain new insights into biological processes in living cells and organisms. Several excellent approaches for the site-specific labeling of fusion proteins with chemical probes exist. Herein I discuss the design and generation of chemical probes for the SNAP-tag and CLIP-tag systems. The first part of this chapter is dedicated to reviewing the principles of the SNAP-tag technology, followed by a section dedicated to the development of chemical probes for unique applications, such as super-resolution imaging, protein trafficking and recycling, protein-protein interactions, and biomolecular sensing. The last part of the chapter contains experimental protocols and technical notes for the synthesis of selected SNAP-tag substrates and labeling of SNAP-tag fusion proteins in vitro and in living cells.

On-chip electrophoresis in supported lipid bilayer membranes achieved using low potentials

A micro supported lipid bilayer (SLB) electrophoresis method was developed, which functions at low potentials and appreciable operating times. To this end, (hydroxymethyl)-ferrocene (FcCH2OH) was employed to provide an electrochemical reaction at the anode and cathode at low applied potential to avoid electrolysis of water. The addition of FcCH2OH did not alter the SLB characteristics or affect biomolecule function, and pH and temperature variations and bubble formation were eliminated. Applying potentials of 0.25-1.2 V during flow gave homogeneous electrical fields and a fast, reversible, and strong build-up of a charged dye-modified lipid in the direction of the oppositely charged electrode. Moreover, streptavidin mobility could be modulated. This method paves the way for further development of analytical devices.

Optical control over bioactive ligands at supramolecular surfaces

Addressing whole protein and bacterial immobilization and their optical control on a β-cyclodextrin supramolecular platform.