Abstract
We investigated the immobilization of actin filaments and its self-assembly in vitro in a continuous-flow system on poly(styrene-maleic acid) (PSMA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(t-butyl methacrylate) [P(tBuMA)] polymeric surfaces and along the linear channels. Among these polymeric surfaces, PSMA appeared to be more suitable for supramolecular manipulations as it lacked inherent fluorescence, had good biocompatibility with actin-myosin, and provided sufficient amounts of binding sites for the covalent immobilization of actin. Covalent attachment of G-actin on PSMA polymeric surfaces resulted in stable polymerization followed by alignment of filaments over 1.5 h, along with a greater surface density of the proteins. It is shown that electrostatic condensation of intact F-actin filaments and F-actin/gelsolin filaments with Ba2+ can be successfully used for progressive bundle formation and alignment in the constant flow. Actin bundles retained their ability to support HMM-anti-HMM bead translocation. Long-range cooperative transitions in actin induced by gelsolin represent a structural perturbation of the barbed end and presumably result in regularly organized bundles that secure directional movement. This simple technique for fabrication of self-assembled and aligned F-actin/gelsolin bundles provides a convenient experimental system for nanotechnological applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
