title: Protein-poly(silicic) acid interactions at the air/solution interface.
abstract: The structure of the interface generated by a spread layer of beta-casein on an aqueous colloidal poly(silicic) acid subphase is described. The results are compared with data for the protein alone spread at the air/water interface and the silicate solution. Films develop at the air-solution interface and a strong pH dependence of the interaction causing this is demonstrated. Reflectometry with X-rays and neutrons was used to probe the interaction as a function of subphase pH and film compression. Film thickness, tau/A, scattering length density, rho/A(-2), water volume fraction, phi(w), and surface coverage, Gamma/mg m(-2), were used to quantify the interfacial structure. Where possible, the X-ray and neutron data sets were co-refined enabling phi(w) to be evaluated without assumption regarding the protein density. At pH 5-7, strong protein-silicate interaction occurred, the interface comprising three regions: a discrete protein upper layer on top of a 15 +/- 2 A layer of silicated material followed by a diffuse layer that extended into the subphase.
authors.affiliation: Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra 0200, Australia.
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Adam W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Perriman
authors.forename: Hana
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Robson-Marsden
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D002364:Caseins; D003102:Colloids; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D012824:Silicic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D012996:Solutions; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D002364:Caseins; D003102:Colloids; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins; D012996:Solutions; D012824:Silicic Acid