title: Mechanisms and dynamics of protein clustering on a solid surface.
abstract: A methodology for discovering the mechanisms and dynamics of protein clustering on solid surfaces is presented. In situ atomic force microscopy images are quantitatively compared to Monte Carlo simulations using cluster statistics to differentiate various models. We study lysozyme adsorption on mica as a model system and find that all surface-supported clusters are mobile, not just the monomers, with diffusion constant inversely related to cluster size. The surface monomer diffusion constant is measured to be D(1) approximately 9 x 10(-16) cm(2) s(-1), such a low value being difficult to measure using other techniques.
authors: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, United Kingdom.
authors: P A
authors: PA
authors: Mulheran
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Pellenc
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Bennett
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Green
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Sperrin
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004058:Diffusion; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D009113:Muramidase / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D009113:Muramidase