Analytical investigation of the interactions between SC3 hydrophobin and lipid layers: Elaborating of nanostructured matrixes for immobilizing redox systems

Hydrophobins are highly tensioactive fungal proteins with a pronounced affinity for interfaces and a propensity for self-assembly. Recently, these proteins were shown to be useful in retaining different molecules on solid surfaces. This finding offers a possibility for developing new functional materials, while creating the necessity of further research at a deeper mechanistic level. In this work, the mechanisms governing the surface phenomena were studied using native Schizophyllum commune hydrophobin (SC3) and lipid mono- and bilayers; the soft matter systems were used to get a handle on the interactive protein/interface effects at a molecular level. The results obtained indicated that the SC3/lipid membrane interactions were adjusted by protein conformational adaptation, allowing its incorporation into lipid matrixes; the incorporation of a chelating SC3 hydrophobin (PFA-SC3) in a monoolein cubic phase yielded a biomimetic, cell-like system of Cu-II cation immobilization. This system, which is suitable for modifying electrode surface and monitoring the Cu-II/Cu-0 redox process, may be of practical interest in switching and sensing.