Multilayer adsorption model for the protein-ligand interaction

In the present work we present a theoretical formalism based on the combina tion of the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller multilayer adsorption model with an elect rolytic adsorbate, and the results are used to predict binding isotherms of several synthetic penicillin drugs onto human serum albumin. The occurrenc e of adsorption maxima in these binding processes is correctly predicted by this noncooperative binding model and it is demonstrated to be due to the ionic character of the adsorbate. The effect of the hydrophobic interaction s between adsorbate monomers on the value of the maximum number of adsorbed particles is also a matter of study, and it is proven that this number inc reases with increasing hydrophobic character of the adsorbate. (C) 2001 Ame rican Institute of Physics.