Isotropic-nematic phase transition in amyloid fibrilization.
We carry out a theoretical study on the isotropic-nematic phase transition and phase separation in amyloid fibril solutions. Borrowing the thermodynamic model employed in the study of cylindrical micelles, we investigate the variations in the fibril length distribution and phase behavior with respect to changes in the protein concentration, fibril's rigidity, and binding energy. We then relate our theoretical findings to the nematic ordering experimentally observed in Hen Lysozyme fibril solution.
Lee
Chiu Fan
CF
Physics Department, Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford University, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom. c.lee1@physics.ox.ac.uk
D000682:Amyloid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D008823:Micelles; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009113:Muramidase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D044367:Phase Transition; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012996:Solutions
D000682:Amyloid; D008823:Micelles; D012996:Solutions; D009113:Muramidase