GROWTH OF PROTEIN 2-D CRYSTALS ON SUPPORTED PLANAR LIPID BILAYERS IMAGED IN-SITU BY AFM

Theories of crystallization, both in 3-D and 2-D, are still very limit ed, mainly due to the scarcity of experimental approaches providing pe rtinent data on elementary phenomena. We present here a novel experime ntal approach for following, in real time and in situ, the process of 2-D crystallization of proteins on solid supports. Using annexin V as a model of a protein binding by affinity to a lipid matrix, we show th at 2-D crystals of proteins can be formed on supported planar lipid bi layers (SPBs). Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) enables the process of 2- D crystal growth to be visualized. The submolecular organization of th e crystals was characterized at a resolution of similar to 2 nanometer s, and defects, hitherto not observed in protein crystals, were resolv ed. These results have potential applications in basic and applied sci ences. (C) 1998 Academic Press.