Adsorption of Proteins at Solid-Liquid Interfaces

This paper concisely rev iews the general principles underlying protein adsorption from aqueous so lution onto a solid surface. The discussion includes the various stages of the adsorption process, i. e., transport o f the protein molecules towards the su rface, the absorbed amount under equilibrium conditions, desorption andreadsorption. Among the interactions that determine the overall protein adsorption process (1 ) redi stribution of charged groups in the interfacial layer, (2) changes in the hydration of the sorbent and the protein surface, and (3) structural rearrangements in the protein molecule play maj or roles. Spec ial attention is given to the relati on between the structu ral stabi lity o f the protein molecule and its adsorption behaviour.