THE ADSORPTION OF PROTEINS FROM AQUEOUS-SOLUTION ON SOLID-SURFACES

The process of protein adsorption is complex and differs in various as pects from the adsorption both of low-molecular-weight substances and of synthetic (random coil) polymers. This paper aims at indicating som e general principles governing the process based on recent advances an d key results from the past. Attention is paid to the structure and st ructural stability of proteins in aqueous solution, the kinetics of pr otein adsorption, the major factors affecting this process, irreversib ility of protein adsorption and competitive adsorption from mixtures o f different proteins. Three subprocesses, namely (1) structural rearra ngements in the protein molecule, (2) dehydration of (parts of) the so rbent and protein surface, and (3) redistribution of charged groups in the interfacial layer, usually make the primary contributions to the adsorption of proteins on solid/aqueous solution interfaces.