Bookbinding hot melt adhesive

According to reports recently organized by the American Physicists Organization Network, the Oxford University of the United Kingdom has recently developed a biomimetic super glue, which has unmatched super adhesion and can bind protein molecules together. This glue can be used to "grab" proteins, or stick proteins to surfaces, and even use them to assemble proteins and enzymes to bind various nanostructures. Whether in the field of biotechnology or nanotechnology, it is a useful tool. Related papers were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“We hope to bind proteins together like building blocks. However, due to the weak forces between biological reactions, our ability to control this process is still poor.” Dr. Mark Howers, School of Biochemistry, Oxford University It is said that the development of this super-molecular gel was inspired by a bacillus.

Many people carry the Streptococcus pyogenes in their throats. Some of them are mild and cause pyogenic impotence or sore throat. Others, however, are fatal and can cause toxic shock syndrome or phagocytosis. There is a special protein, FbaB, in botulinum, which is a weapon that they stick to and invade human cells.

"This protein is very special, it can spontaneously react with itself, forming a lock." Mark explained that proteins are composed of amino acids, long chains formed by strong covalent bonds between amino acids, folding, chain formation In a variety of three-dimensional structures, the forces of these three-dimensional structures are relatively weak; however, the three-dimensional structure of the FbaB protein in Streptococcus pyogenes is also formed by covalent bonds, and this strong chemical bond can link the amino acid chains to a very strong one in a matter of moments. ring.

The researchers first dismantled the protein along the supercovalent bond, nicknamed the larger half as the SpyCatcher and the smaller half as the SpyTag. Then let them meet again, and the result can be combined again to form a strong covalent bond. These two parts, including everything attached to them, are also firmly pinned together.

The researchers also used the atomic force microscope to test how much power is needed to get the "spy tag" out of the "spyware" mastery. As they pulled both ends outward, until the tools that pulled them broke first, the two parts remained firmly stuck together; even if they were boiled in detergent, they did not separate.

"Our system can quickly form a covalent bond with high stability. The 'spy' and 'spy tag' can quickly be combined, whether in an acidic or neutral environment, the temperature is 4 °C or 37 °C, regardless of In the test tube or in the cells, they all stick together, but they don't stick to other things and don't stick their fingers with the aero model.” Mark said that there are no other similar biomolecules. method. Although some chemical reactions can form covalent bonds between proteins, but only a small part, and it takes a long time, or need ultraviolet light, toxic catalysts and other reaction conditions, which will damage or cells.

This kind of super molecular glue technology has a broad application prospect. Mark said that you can stick "spyware" and "spyware tags" on other molecules that you want to stick together, like sticking together all the enzymes needed in a chemical process to make a "small factory." "It can increase the speed of response and increase production; or it can bind all the biochemical substances of plants into solar energy and develop new ways of artificial photosynthesis." However, its most direct application is the adhesion of protein structures in biological cells in the laboratory. (Chang Lijun)