Atomic Force Microscopy Observations Research Articles

The interaction of proanthocyanidins with DNA molecules studied by atomic force microscopy and spectroscopic method

The interactions of the naturally available botanicals with DNA molecules have received considerable attention owing to the potential to develop for medicinal agents. In this study, the interaction of proanthocyanidins with DNA molecules was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectroscopic method. The AFM observation indicated that proanthocyanidins induced DNA molecules from double helix chains to the thick rope and toroids. The heights of the formed DNA structures are more than eight times than that of DNA double helix. Spectroscopic measurement results revealed that proanthocyanidins intercalated between the base pairs of DNA in the intercalative binding mode, which resulted in unwinding the DNA helix, twisting the DNA strands and finally transforming into the supercoiled DNA structures. All these results implied that DNA molecule is an important interaction target of proanthocyanidins, and the formed compact DNA structures have biological significance on the gene expression and regulation.

Uncovering the critical impact of the solid electrolyte interphase structure on the interfacial stability

AbstractSolid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a critical role in determining the interfacial stability, which in turn impacts the plating/stripping process of the lithium metal anode. Substantial research has been focused on the composition of SEI and its contribution to the interfacial stability. Herein, we illustrate the significance of SEI structure, in a comprehensive comparison of a diluted electrolyte (1 M LiTFSI‐PC) and a super‐concentrated electrolyte (8 M LiTFSI‐PC). Illustrated by in situ optical and atomic force microscope observation, homogeneous plating on lithium anode is achieved in the concentrated electrolyte. However, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that, contrary to the general understanding, the components of SEI is nearly identical for lithium anode cycled in both two electrolytes. Detailed characterizations demonstrate the structure of SEI is quite different. In concentrated electrolyte, a compact structure of SEI layer can be obtained, mainly due to the reduced solubility and outstanding formation kinetics of the interfacial layer. This work provided a new understanding to the excellent performance of super‐concentrated electrolyte in lithium metal battery.

Development, characterization and in vitro–in vivo evaluation of Farnesol loaded niosomal gel for applications in oral candidiasis treatment

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to formulate and characterize the farnesol loaded niosomes comprising gel formulation and perform their in vitro–in vivo evaluation for applications in the treatment of oral candidiasis infections. MethodsVarious gelling systems were evaluated for their rheological and stability properties. The formulation was statistically optimized using experimental design method (Box-Behnken). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe the niosomal surface morphology. Centrifugation method and dialysis method were used to find out the % entrapment efficiency (%EE) and in-vitro release of Farnesol, respectively. In-vitro antifungal effect and cell biocompatibility of the Farnesol loaded niosomal gel was also performed using Candida albicans (C. albicans) as the model organism and epithelial cell line (SW480) by MTT cytotoxicity assay. In-vivo skin irritation test was performed on rabbit skin. Key findingsFarnesol loaded niosomes were integrated into polymeric gel solution. The optimized formulation demonstrated acceptable % EE (>80%) and an optimum particle size (168.8 nm) along with a sustained release and a long-term storage stability for up to a period of 6 months. TEM and AFM observations displayed a spherical niosome morphology. Farnesol niosomal gel showed a higher antifungal efficacy, ex-vivo skin permeation and deposition in comparison to plain farnesol solution. The niosomal gel also showed negligible cytotoxicity to normal cells citing biocompatibility and was found to be non-toxic and non-irritant to rabbit skin. ConclusionsThis novel niosome loaded gel-based formulation could make the oral candidiasis healing process more efficient while improving patient compliance. With the optimized methodology used in this work, such formulation approaches can become an efficient, industrially scalable, and cost-effective alternatives to the existing conventional formulations.

Polymorphism of Kdo-Based Glycolipids: The Elaborately Determined Stable and Dynamic Bicelles

Polymorphism of Kdo-Based Glycolipids: The Elaborately Determined Stable and Dynamic Bicelles

Effect of cavitation jets on the physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of the okara protein.

The structural andphysicochemical properties of okara protein (OP) subjected to different cavitation jet (CJ) treatment times (0-15min) were analyzed. In this study, the microstructure and apparent morphology of OP were analyzed by Raman spectrum, fluorescence spectrum, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Physicochemical properties, such as emulsion ability (EA), emulsion stability index (ESI), foaming characteristics (FC), foaming stability (FS), and solubility analysis of the OPs, were characterized. Raman spectrum analysis showed that CJ treatment caused increases in the ordered structure of OPs (α-helix, β-sheet, and β-turn), and the disulfide bond g-g-g and g-g-t modes, while it caused a decrease in the t-g-t mode. However, the tertiary structure of OP unfolded and mostly degraded into small subunits because of higher cavitation, shear and temperature effects. AFM observation indicated that CJ resulted in a more uniform distribution of OP. Moreover, changes in the structure of OP significantly affected its functional properties. The results showed that when CJ treatment time was 10min, the solubility of OP was up to (28.72 ± 1.26)%, the soluble protein content of okara was up to (10.44 ± 0.03)g/100g,and interface properties were better. In summary, OP has great potential for application in the food area, especially in emulsifying agent and foam system. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The cavitation jet technology improves the structure and physical and chemical properties of the protein extracted from soybean residue (okara) and provides new ideas for the further development and utilization of soybean residue protein, which may lead to the production of high-value-added functional ingredients from the processing of soybean byproducts.

Tardigrade Secretory-Abundant Heat-Soluble Protein Has a Flexible β-Barrel Structure in Solution and Keeps This Structure in Dehydration.

Secretory-abundant heat-soluble (SAHS) proteins are unique heat-soluble proteins of Tardigrada and are believed to play an essential role in anhydrobiosis, a latent state of life induced by desiccation. To investigate the dynamic properties, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a SAHS protein, RvSAHS1, were performed in solution and under dehydrating conditions. For comparison purposes, MD simulations of a human liver-type fatty-acid binding protein (LFABP) were performed in solution. Furthermore, high-speed atomic force microscopy observations were conducted to ascertain the results of the MD simulations. Three properties of RvSAHS1 were found as follows. (1) The entrance region of RvSAHS1 is more flexible and can be more extensive in solutions compared with that of a human LFABP because there is no salt bridge between the βD and βE strands. (2) The intrinsically disordered domain in the N-terminal region significantly fluctuates and can form an amphiphilic α-helix. (3) The size of the entrance region gets smaller along with dehydration, keeping the β-barrel structure. Overall, the obtained results provide atomic-level dynamics of SAHS proteins.

Anti-bacterial and anti-microbial aging effects of resin-based sealant modified by quaternary ammonium monomers

ObjectivesPit and fissure sealant is used in the prevention of dental caries. However, commercial pit and fissure sealant lacks persistent antibacterial properties. Dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) was added to pit and fissure sealants to give it sustainable antibacterial properties and anti-microbial aging properties. MethodsResin-based sealant was used as a control. Novel sealants were made with DMADDM. Atomic force microscope observation, curing depth, cytotoxicity, lactic acid measurement, hardness and microleakage were measured. Saliva-derived biofilms were grown on sealants. Biofilm metabolic activity, lactic acid production and biomass accumulation were measured. ResultsIncorporating DMADDM did not increase the cytotoxicity or change the physical properties when the mass fraction of the DMADDM was 2.5–10%. The modification decreased the amount of bacterial biofilm, metabolic activity, lactic acid production and exopolysaccharide (EPS) in the saliva biofilms. It also provided anti-microbial aging properties. ConclusionThe incorporation of DMADDM improved the antibacterial and anti-microbial aging effects of the material. It demonstrated a sustained antibacterial effect. The antibacterial and anti-microbial aging modification might be a potential choice for future clinical applications to inhibit dental caries, especially for children at high caries risk. Clinical SignificanceThe antibacterial and anti-microbial aging modification might be a potential choice for future clinical applications to prevent dental caries, especially for individuals at high caries risk.

Dosimetry of pulsed magnetic field towards attaining bacteriostatic effect on Enterococcus faecalis: Implications for endodontic therapy.

To examine in a laboratory setting the efficacy of moderate to high strength magnetic fields, as a potential bacteriostatic stimulus, against Enterococcus faecalis, one of the causative agents for infection during root canal treatments. Four different strengths (1, 2, 3 and 4T) of the pulsed magnetic field (PMF) were applied in thirty repetitions to bacterial suspension. A pickup coil setup was used to measure the electromotive force induced inside the bacterial suspensions. The optical density (OD) was monitored over time (for 16h 40min) during the post-treatment period to assess bacterial growth. Along with the change in OD values, live/dead assay, membrane depolarization study, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay on selected samples were studied to evaluate the effect of PMFs. All results were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey test and considered significant at p<.05. Regression analysis (at a confidence of 95%, α=0.05) was performed on the bacterial growth and membrane depolarization studies to determine progressive changes of the outcomes. The peak value of the induced electromotive force was recorded as 0.25V, for the 4T magnetic field pulse with a pulse width of 16ms. There was a significant arrest of bacterial cell growth after an exposure to PMFs of 1T, 3T and 4T (ANOVA score: F (4, 495) =395.180 at p=.05). The image-based qualitative results of the live/dead assay using fluorescence microscopy techniques indicated that an exposure to higher PMFs (3T/ 4T) induced a bacteriostatic effect in a longer post-exposure timescale. Evidence of altered membrane potential within the 2h of exposure to 4T PMF was supported by the incidence of elevated ROS. For the ROS assay, a significant difference occurred for 4T exposed samples (ANOVA score: calculated F (1, 3) =20.2749 at p=.05). SEM and AFM observations corroborated with the outcomes, by portraying significant membrane damage. In a laboratory setting, PMFs with higher magnitudes (3T and 4T) were capable of inducing bacteriostatic effects on E.faecalis.

SWCNT network evolution of PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT composites for thermoelectric application

Although conjugated polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) thermoelectric (TE) composites have witnessed explosive achievements in recent years, the in-depth mechanism of CNT network evolution and its influence on composite TE performance are still unclear. Herein, we systematically investigate the evolution of single-walled CNT (SWCNT) network structure with a wide SWCNT content range for poly (3,4-ethyienedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/SWCNT composites based on TE properties and atomic force microscopic (AFM) observations. The whole curves of TE performance can be divided into three regions with the increase of SWCNT loading. In Region I (< 20 wt% SWCNT), a percolation-like phenomenon is observed with an S-shape change of electrical conductivity and constant Seebeck coefficient, possibly due to the occurrence of SWCNT aggregates besides primary particles. Subsequently, because of energy-filtering effect, in Region II (SWCNT content between 20 wt% and 97.5 wt%), the electrical conductivity decreases, while the Seebeck coefficient gradually increases with increased SWCNT loading. With further increase of SWCNT content (Region III), the TE performances are almost independent of SWCNT content. In addition, the temperature dependence of TE performance and the stability of TE performance against mechanical bending cycles are studied. Finally, a prototype TE device based on PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT composite film is assembled, showing an open-circuit voltage and an output power of 6.6 mV and 1200 nW at a temperature difference of 60 K, respectively. The results are helpful to elucidate the mechanism of structure–property relations for conjugated polymer TE composites, and will benefit their practical applications.

Dominant factors and their action mechanisms on material removal rate in electrochemical mechanical polishing of 4H-SiC (0001) surface

Slurryless electrochemical mechanical polishing (ECMP) has been confirmed as a highly efficient damage-free polishing technique for SiC wafers. To increase the material removal rate of ECMP, it is essential to have a better understanding of the anodic oxidation mechanism of SiC to obtain a much higher anodic oxidation rate. In this study, we investigated the effects of electrolyte temperature, surface damage, doping concentration, and strain on the anodic oxidation rate of SiC. All these factors were found have a promotional effect on the anodic oxidation of SiC. The promotional effects of processing-induced damage and doping on SiC anodic oxidation were attributed to the processing-induced residual strain and doping-induced strain on the SiC surface, which were observed by Raman spectroscopy. The relationship between anodic oxidation rate and strain on the SiC surface was quantitatively investigated by applying a strain-controllable anodic oxidation device. Both compressive and tensile strains were found to increase the anodic oxidation rate of SiC. The promotion mechanism of the strain on the anodic oxidation of SiC was studied by conductive atomic force microscopy observations. This study is expected to be an important guide for improving the efficiency of ECMP and will contribute to the practical application of ECMP.

Structural and ultraviolet photo-detection properties of laser molecular beam epitaxy grown GaN layers using solid GaN and liquid Ga targets

GaN epitaxial layers have been grown on sapphire (0001) substrate by laser molecular beam epitaxy technique using laser ablation of polycrystalline GaN solid and liquid Ga metal targets in the ambient of nitrogen plasma. In-situ reflection high energy electron diffraction and exsitu atomic force microscopy observations revealed that GaN growth using solid target yields rough surface under three-dimensional growth mode while a flat surface GaN is obtained using liquid Ga target. From X-ray rocking curve measurement, it is also observed that the GaN layer grown using solid GaN target has a relatively better structural quality. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed Ga–N bond formation and near-stoichiometric composition of the GaN epilayers. The influence of threading dislocation density on the ultraviolet (UV) photoresponse properties of GaN layers have been studied using metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) based device structure. It is found that the GaN MSM structure obtained using solid GaN target with lesser screw and dislocation densities exhibits a higher responsivity with fast response and recovery time.

Spectroscopic and structural properties of CeO2 nanocrystals doped with La3+, Nd3+ and modified on their surface with Ag nanoparticles

The purpose of this work is to present our efforts focused on applications of chemical synthesis of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide (CeO2) powders doped with La3+ ions and CeO2:Nd3+ modified, on their surface, with Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The synthesized powders were examined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), absorption, emission spectroscopy, scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The relations between crystallographic properties and stability of CeO2 compounds doped by La ions and surface-modified by Ag were studied. XRD patterns revealed that all studied samples are single-phase and crystallized in the cubic fluorite-type structure, in space group Fm-3m. The average crystallite sizes estimated by Rietveld method of series: La-doped CeO2 were in the range of 7–14 nm, and CeO2:1%Nd3+/n-Ag (n: 1- 5wt.%) were found to be in the range of 29–34 nm, respectively. The lattice parameter a for La-doped CeO2 powders varying from 5.416 to 5.482 Å with increasing content of La3+ ions from 0 to 20wt.%, respectively. For series of CeO2:Nd3+/n-Ag materials lattice parameter a was at the same level and in accordance with the standard value a0 = 5.411 Å (ICDD - 43-1002). The SEM and AFM observations depicted the grainy structure of all obtained CeO2-powder samples. The estimated grain size ranged from 50 to 500 nm. The diverse grain shapes and packing was remarked in the samples. According to our knowledge, the relationship between the structural, spectroscopic and morphological characteristics of CeO2 samples was presented in this work for the first time.

Mitigating the negative effects of feldspar slime on spodumene flotation using mixed anionic/cationic collector

Due to the prevalent weathering, spodumene flotation is often susceptible to feldspar slime. In this study, the effect of feldspar slime on spodumene flotation in the NaOL and NaOL/DDA systems was studied. The micro-flotation tests showed that the negative effect of feldspar slime on spodumene flotation could be reduced by using the mixed NaOL/DDA collector with mole ratio of 9/1. The scanning electron microscopic images and the adsorption test results indicated that the decrease of spodumene recovery was attributed to collector consumption by feldspar slime. The mechanism was analyzed by ways of surface tension measurement, atomic force microscopic (AFM) observation and bubble attachment measurements, and the results showed that compared with NaOL alone, the mixed NaOL/DDA collector exhibited a better surface activity owing to a lower value of critical micelle concentration (CMC). The ‘spots’ formed on spodumene surface were thicker, and the formation of TPC was more likely. In addition, the bubble size was smaller and the bubble–particle adhesion was more possibly to occur in the NaOL/DDA system.

High temperature in situ SEM assessment followed by ex situ AFM and EBSD investigation of the nucleation and early growth stages of Fe-Al intermetallics

A dedicated in situ heating setup in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) followed by an ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is used to characterize the nucleation and early growth stages of Fe-Al intermetallics (IMs) at 596°C. A location tracking is used to interpret further characterization. Ex situ AFM observations reveal a slight shrinkage and out of plane protrusion of the IM at the onset of IM nucleation followed by directional growth. The formed interfacial IM compounds were identified by ex situ EBSD. It is now clearly demonstrated that the θ-phase nucleates first prior to the diffusion-controlled growth of the η-phase. The θ-phase prevails the intermetallic layer.

In vitro comparison of the surface roughness of polymethyl methacrylate and bis-acrylic resins for interim restorations before and after polishing

Statement of problemPolymethyl methacrylate and bis-acrylic based resins are widely used for interim restorations. Their initial surface roughness is important because it determines their aesthetic properties and the potential for biofilm adhesion. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the surface roughness and morphology of 6 bis-acrylic and 2 polymethyl methacrylate resins widely used for interim dental restorations, both before and after polishing. Material and methodsSpecimens made of different bis-acrylic resins (Protemp 4, Luxatemp Star, Systemp, Telio, Structur Premium, Structur 3) or of polymethyl methacrylate (Unifast Trad, Unifast 3) were polished using a 2-step polishing system (Diatech). The average surface roughness before and after polishing (10 seconds at low speed in dry conditions) was measured by optical profilometry. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze surface morphology. The Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate the differences in roughness among specimens (α=.05), and the Pearson r correlation was computed to assess the relationship between fillers and average surface roughness. ResultsIn the 8 groups evaluated, the roughness significantly increased (P<.001) for Protemp 4 (from 0.12 to 0.50 μm), Luxatemp Star (0.17 to 1.19 μm), Unifast 3 (0.40 to 1.00 μm), Systemp (0.46 to 1.51 μm), Structur 3 (0.85 to 1.06 μm), Structur Premium (1.00 to 1.74 μm), and Telio (1.13 to 1.21 μm), except for Unifast Trad (9.20 to 2.59 μm). Pairwise multiple comparisons identified Protemp 4 as having the smoothest surface before and after polishing, while Unifast Trad was the roughest in both. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the surface roughness of bis-acrylic resins was related to their surface morphology and average filler sizes. A positive relation between fillers and roughness was assessed (r=0.345, P<.001). ConclusionsFor the bis-acrylic interim resins, the surface roughness after polishing was correlated to the material used and its filler sizes. Nanofiller-based resins showed the smoothest surfaces. For the polymethyl methacrylate–based resins, the recently marketed Unifast 3 had the lowest overall roughness values.

Crystallization of Sodium Bicarbonate in the Presence of Trace Amounts of HPMA

AbstractThe effect of trace amounts of hydrolytic polymaleic anhydride (HPMA) on the crystallization of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) has been investigated by molecular simulation and experimental methods. Cooling crystallization experiments show that the trace HPMA molecule effectively promotes the formation of larger NaHCO3 crystals. Besides, the crystal morphology changes from needle‐like to flake‐like. The determination of the metastable zone width of NaHCO3 and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) observation confirmed that the spontaneous nucleation processes are suppressed. Molecule simulation was used to explore the interaction of HPMA molecule and different crystal faces of NaHCO3. It was found that the binding energy between HPMA and NaHCO3 surface is greater than the corresponding attachment energy of NaHCO3 surface. The electrostatic interaction energy between double‐bonded oxygen on the HPMA molecule and the Na+ of the NaHCO3 crystal plane plays a dominant role in the additive molecule‘s adsorption on the NaHCO3 crystal surface. This work suggests that HPMA could serve as an inhibitor of nucleation and impact NaHCO3 crystallization.

Split conformation of Chaetomium thermophilum Hsp104 disaggregase

Hsp104 and its bacterial homolog ClpB form hexameric ring structures and mediate protein disaggregation. The disaggregated polypeptide is thought to thread through the central channel of the ring. However, the dynamic behavior of Hsp104 during disaggregation remains unclear. Here, we reported the stochastic conformational dynamics and a split conformation of Hsp104 disaggregase from Chaetomium thermophilum (CtHsp104) in the presence of ADP by X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (EM), and high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM). ADP-bound CtHsp104 assembles into a 65 left-handed spiral filament in the crystal structure at a resolution of 2.7Å. The unit of the filament is a hexamer of the split spiral structure. In the cryo-EM images, staggered and split hexameric rings were observed. Further, high-speed AFM observations showed that a substrate addition enhanced the conformational change and increased the split structure's frequency. Our data suggest that split conformation is an off-pathway state of CtHsp104 during disaggregation.

Investigation on the Electrical Stability of 5,11-Bis(triethylsilylethynyl)anthradithiophene Thin-Film Transistors.

We investigate the effects of environmental conditions on the electrical stability of spin-coated 5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl)anthradithiophene (TES-ADT) thin-film transistors (TFTs) in which crosslinked poly(4-vinylphenol-co-methyl methacrylate) (PVP-co-PMMA) was utilized as a gate insulator layer. Atomic force microscopy observations show molecular terraces with domain boundaries in the spin-coated TEST-ADT semiconductor film. The TFT performance was observed to be superior in the ambient air condition. Under negative gate-bias stress, the TES-ADT TFTs showed a positive threshold voltage shift in ambient air and a negative threshold voltage shift under vacuum. These results are explained through a chemical reaction between water molecules in air and unsubstituted hydroxyl groups in the cross-linked PVP-co-PMMA as well as a charge-trapping phenomenon at the domain boundaries in the spin-coated TES-ADT semiconductor.

Construction of Self-Assembled Polyelectrolyte/Cationic Microgel Multilayers and Their Interaction with Anionic Dyes Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Atomic Force Microscopy.

This study aimed to reveal the interaction between self-assembled multilayers and dye molecules in the environment, which is closely related to the multilayers’ stable performance and service life. In this work, the pH-responsive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) microgels were prepared by free-radical copolymerization and self-assembled with sodium alginate (SA) into multilayers by the layer-by-layer deposition method. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) results confirmed the construction of multilayers and the absorbed mass, resulting in a decrease in the frequency shift of the QCM sensor and the deposition of microgel particles on its surface. The interaction between the self-assembled SA/microgel multilayers and anionic dyes in the aqueous solution was further investigated by QCM, and it was found that the electrostatic attraction between dyes and microgels deposited on the QCM sensor surface was much larger than that of the microgels with SA in multilayers, leading to the release of the microgels from the self-assembled structure and a mass loss ratio of 27.6%. AFM observation of the multilayer morphology exposed to dyes showed that 29% of the microgels was peeled off, and the corresponding microgel imprints were generated on the surface. In contrast, the shape and size of the remaining self-assembled microgel particles did not change.

Complex coacervation of carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan and ovalbumin and coacervate characterization

Carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) is an anionic derivative of konjac glucomannan (KGM). Its coacervation with ovalbumin (OVA) was investigated through turbidity and coacervate yield measurements and the resultant CMKGM-OVA coacervates were characterized as a function of phase separation pH. The results indicated that CMKGM could coacervate with OVA in pHs ranging from 2.0 to 4.5. OVA to CMKGM mass ratios higher than 1:1 led to insoluble coacervates, while lower ratios conferred soluble complexes. NaCl suppressed the interaction between CMKGM and OVA and could resuspend their precipitated coacervates. The interaction between the two polyelectrolytes was not affected in temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 55 °C, but was weakened in higher temperatures. The coacervation increased the thermal stability and induced structural changes in both the polyelectrolytes. Atomic force microscope observation revealed that the CMKGM-OVA coacervates separated in mass ratio 1:1 was not susceptible to aggregation, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation analysis demonstrated that OVA exhibited the strongest absorption towards CMKGM in pH 3.0 in multilayer mode. Hence, CMKGM is a promising polyelectrolyte for coacervation with proteins and could be used in the construction of targeted delivery systems through the electrostatic interaction with oppositely charged biopolymers.