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Article
Fast Dynamics of Binary Glass Formers and its Role in the Cryo-preservation of Proteins. An Atomistic Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study.
Polymer Science Faculty Research
  • Gustavo Carri, The University of Akron
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2004
Abstract

Bio-preservative agents such as trehalose and glycerol are commonly used to preserve biomolecules against denaturation and its consequent loss of activity. The molecular mechanisms that control the preservation ability of such bio-protective agents is not fully understood at present. Studies of the fast dynamic behavior of these agents, which is a consequence of the small-amplitude atomistic motions in the system, provide valuable information in understanding this phenomena. We present a molecular dynamics simulation study of the fast dynamics of trehalose-glycerol mixtures with different compositions and at different temperatures. We found that a mixture of five percent glycerol (a liquid) and ninety five percent trehalose (a fragile glass) is the most efficient one in suppressing the short time local dynamics of the trehalose molecules. We link this counter-intuitive finding to our observation that at this composition the mixture is networked by a more robust hydrogen bonding structure as compared to other compositions. Comparisons between our simulation results and data from neutron scattering experiments will be discussed.

Citation Information
Gustavo Carri. "Fast Dynamics of Binary Glass Formers and its Role in the Cryo-preservation of Proteins. An Atomistic Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study." Vol. 1 (2004) p. 1213
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gustavo_carri/22/