Characteristics of Protein Based Biopolymer and Its Application

768 Words2 Pages

Protein Characteristics and Its Suitability for Polymer Development Proteins are prepared by basic unit called amino acids. The protein’s structure is broadly classified into four major categories which are called primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. The primary structure of a protein is a linear polymer with a string of amino acids coupled by peptide bonds. Secondary structures of proteins are usually very regular in their conformation and in point of fact, they are the spatial arrangements of primary structures. ‘Alpha Helices’ and ‘Beta Pleated Sheets’ are two types of secondary structures and they are majorly stabilized by hydrogen bonds. The tertiary structure of a protein is the three-dimensional structure and is stabilized by the series of hydrophobic amino acid residues and by disulphide bonds formed among two cysteine amino acid. While the tertiary structure with less disulphide bonds, which form weak, rigid structures that are bendable, but still tough and can oppose rupture such as hair and wool. Structures that contain more disulphide bonds lead to stronger, stiffer and harder structures. Quaternary Structure of protein is the arrangement of two or more chains, to form an entire unit. The interactions between the chains are not dissimilar from those in the tertiary structure, but are distinguished only by being an inter-chain rather than an intra-chain. The quaternary structure involves the clustering of numerous individual peptide chains into an ultimate shape. A range of bonding interactions, including salt bridges, hydrogen bonding, and disulphide bonds hold the a variety of chains into a particular geometry. There are two major categories of proteins with quaternary structure, i.e. fibrous and glo... ... middle of paper ... ...en used as biomaterials in drug delivery systems [36] and in tissue engineering [37]. Scientist reported that the Young’s modulus of rat tail collagen type I vary between 3.7 GPa to 11.5GPa [38]. A series of studies has focused on the structural and tensile properties of collagen scaffolds for the purpose of designing functional biomaterials for clinical application [39-42]. The investigations in a range of proteins such as gluten [43], corn zein [44], soya [45] and milk [46] revealed that these proteins acquire the capability to form films which can be used in food packaging. These proteins have nutritional value as well so it can be used for development of film. In recent duration, the progress of degradable films from protein has drawn attention to a large extent. This is due to protein’s skill to form films and also for its large quantity and renewable nature.

More about Characteristics of Protein Based Biopolymer and Its Application

Open Document