Chapter 16 - Role of ionic liquids and their future alternative toward protein chemistry

Abstract

Addressing the physicochemical behavior of proteins using green solvents is geared to explore new dimensions of the study of the potential of neoteric solvents in the field of biomedical sciences. In the current scenario, the main issue for researchers, scholars, and industrialists is to address the physicochemical behavior of proteins using green solvents used in biomedical science. Protein-based medicines are usually lyophilized to overcome the stability challenges that give transitory life. To comprehend and amplify the soundness and create a longer shelf life of protein-based drugs and other usable reactant proteins for carrying out innumerable studies. Due to the extraordinary properties of ionic liquids (ILs), they are incredible solvents exhibiting a positive and favorable enzymatic response and the protection of protein molecules. Cations and anions are known to play a prominent role in the improvement of the physicochemical properties of ILs and can impact the enantioselectivity, action, and structure of proteins. Therefore it is time to explore the potential of ILs and the need for other solvents: deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for their impact on the structure/activity of proteins. The study would immensely help the researchers, analysts, and industrialists working in the field of biotechnology and natural chemistry. Further, the influence of hydrophobic character and the tendency of ILs or DESs to form hydrogen bonds on the stability of the protein is discussed. Some of the ILs were found to be toxic to several microorganisms, therefore, the researchers have found DESs, as an alternative to ILs. The current chapter reports collective information on ILs and DESs to outline the underlying and conformational changes of the protein.