Proteolytic activity at quantum dot-conjugates: kinetic analysis reveals enhanced enzyme activity and localized interfacial "hopping".

ABSTRACT: Recent studies show that polyvalent, ligand-modified nanoparticles provide significantly enhanced binding characteristics compared to isolated ligands. Here, we assess the ability of substrate-modified nanoparticles to provide enhanced enzymatic activity. Energy transfer assays allowed quantitative, real-time measurement of proteolytic digestion at polyvalent quantum dot-peptide conjugates. Enzymatic progress curves were analyzed using an integrated Michaelis-Menten (MM) formalism, revealing mechanistic details, including deviations from classic MM-behavior. A "hopping" mode of proteolysis at the nanoparticle was identified, confirming enhanced activity.

SUBMITTER: Algar WR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9354701 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature