The condensation of proteins is important for the industrial use of proteins and the development of medicines. However, protein condensation from aqueous solutions is a time-consuming and costly process involving the risk of protein denaturation and aggregation.
The research group discovered that the combination of anionic and cationic surfactants instantly induced the ordered self-assembly of proteins dissolved in water and high-protein content (120–310 mg mL−1) material is formed as water-segregated fluid. A variety of proteins, such as antibodies and enzymes are formed this material retaining their native structure and functions. The researchers also performed the gelation of this material and showed the enzymatic activity of the gelled material.
The simple and versatile preparation process of this material will be widely applied to the development of protein-based advanced functional materials.
Program Information
JST ERATO
Iyoda Supra-Integrated Material Project
Journal Information
Dr. Tatsuya Nojima and Dr. Tomokazu Iyoda. “Water-Rich Fluid Material Containing Orderly Condensed Proteins”. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, published online December 19, 2016, doi: 10.1002/anie.201609974
Contact
[About Research]
Tomokazu Iyoda, PhD.
Research Director, ERATO Iyoda Supra-Integrated Material Project
Professor, Institute of Innovative Research(IIR), Tokyo Institute of Technology
E-mail: 
URL: http://www.jst.go.jp/erato/iyoda/english/index.html
Tatsuya Nojima, PhD.
Researcher, ERATO Iyoda Supra-Integrated Material Project
Research Professor, Institute of Innovative Research(IIR), Tokyo Institute of Technology
E-mail: 
[About Program]
Masashi Furukawa
Department of Research Project, JST
E-mail: 