Exploring the interfacial adsorption capability of bovine serum albumin

Abstract

Proteins play a vital role in many applications related to protein corona, thin-film formation, surface modification of nanoparticles, biosensors, and other biological activities. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is widely used in such applications. Many complex fluids can be engineered for their rheological and tribological activities using additives showing beneficial interfacial properties. The use of biocompatible additives definitely enhance the performance of such complex fluids for biomedical and biotechnological applications. Here we show the adsorption of BSA on the aqueous subphases. Appreciable surface pressure has been achieved for the BSA layer adsorbed on the aqueous subphases in the Langmuir trough. The isotherms with reference to time also justify the gradual adsorption of BSA on the air-liquid interface. The current findings can be effectively used for designing the thin films or coatings for biomedical applications and the biomechanical or micromechanical objects leading to improved rheological and tribological characteristics.

Keywords

• Adsorption at the interface
• Bovine serum albumin
• Interfacial interaction
• Langmuir monolayer
• Protein interface
• Surface pressure measurement