Control of pathways and yields of protein crystallization through the interplay of nonspecific and specific attractions.
We use computer simulation to study crystal-forming model proteins equipped with interactions that are both orientationally specific and nonspecific. Distinct dynamical pathways of crystal formation can be selected by tuning the strengths of these interactions. When the nonspecific interaction is strong, liquidlike clustering can precede crystallization; when it is weak, growth can proceed via ordered nuclei. Crystal yields are in certain parameter regimes enhanced by the nonspecific interaction, even though it promotes association without local crystalline order. Our results suggest that equipping nanoscale components with weak nonspecific interactions (such as depletion attractions) can alter both their dynamical pathway of assembly and optimize the yield of the resulting material.
Whitelam
Stephen
S
Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. swhitelam@lbl.gov
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D032701:Biomimetics; D003460:Crystallization; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D011506:Proteins