My resurch theme
Protein display on nanofiber surface by electrospinning
My study theme is “Protein display on nanofiber surface”.
ProteinA (PA) is used as a protein to be displayed on the nanofiber surface. PA is a 42-kDa protein anchored in the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus. And, it has strong affinity with the Fc region of antibody IgG, so it is used for recovering IgG. For initial purification of antibody drugs, column chromatography using this PA is used to separate antibodies from culture fluids. However, this purification method has disadvantage. The disadvantage is that the flow rate and the amount used are restricted depending on the liquid permeation characteristics and pressure resistance of the carrier. Therefore, I thought that applying a membrane on which PA was posted on the surface of fine fibers to antibody purification would make it possible to prepare a membrane for antibody purification with high permeation pressure resistance.
What is "nanofiber"
In recent years, nanofibers have received much attention.
Nanofibers are 10-9m sized fibers. By making the fiber nano-sized, the surface area per unit weight increases.
As a result, it has properties superior to "molecular recognizability" and "adsorption characteristic".
Nanofibers for medical purposes can be spun from biodegradable polymers.
By adding a wide variety of additives to these, you can add necessary functions.
Furthermore, the structure and size of nanofibers can be controlled.
Therefore, it is most suitable for research on regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
What is "Electrospinning"
The electrospinning method is a technique in which a polymer solution becomes fibrous due to electrostatic interaction.
I use the electrospinning method to make nanofibers.
The electrospinning device consists of a Spinneret, Syringe, Power supply, and Collector.
Apply high voltage to the polymer solution and spray it from the needle toward the collector. Because the collector is grounded, the polymer solution is towed by electrostatic interaction and spun fibers.
Do you know the "Cellulose nanofibers"
In recent years, celluelose nanofibers have received much attention.
Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is a state-of-the-art biomass material born by minutely loosening fibers making up wood to nano level.
Since it is derived from vegetable fiber, it is characterized by its small environmental burden on production and disposal and lightweight. The elastic modulus is as high as the aramid fiber known for high-strength fiber, and expansion and contraction due to temperature change is as good as glass. It also exhibits excellent properties such as high gas barrier properties such as oxygen.