Human lysozyme on mesoporous silica (SBA-15) has been visualised in 3D, say scientists in Italy.
Ultrathin section of embedded mesoporous materials
Maura Monduzzi and her co-workers at Università di Cagliari, used an immunochemical method to investigate the location of human lysozyme molecules loaded onto SBA-15. Using post-embedding immunogold staining and transmission electron microscopy results in a 3D reconstruction and shows that the protein molecules were located on the external and internal surfaces of the mesoporous silica. This result may have important consequences in biocatalysis and applications requiring sustained drug release.
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