Covalent core-shell architecture of hemoglobin and human serum albumin as an artificial O2 carrier

Biomacromolecules. 2013 Jun 10;14(6):1816-25. doi: 10.1021/bm400204y. Epub 2013 May 16.

Abstract

Covalent core-shell structured protein clusters of hemoglobin (Hb) and human serum albumin (HSA) (HbX-HSAm) (m = 2, 3) with novel physiological properties were generated by linkage of Hb surface lysins to HSA cysteine-34 via an α-succinimidyl-ε-maleimide cross-linker (X: 1 or 2). The isoelectric points of HbX-HSAm (pI = 5.0-5.2) were markedly lower than that of Hb and almost identical to that of HSA. AFM and TEM measurements revealed a triangular Hb1-HSA3 cluster in aqueous medium. The complete 3D structure of Hb1-HSA3 based on TEM data was reconstructed, revealing two possible conformer variants. All HbX-HSAm clusters showed a moderately higher O2 affinity than the native Hb. Furthermore, the exterior HSA units possess a remarkable ability to bind lumiflavin (LF). The addition of NADH to an aqueous solution of the met-Hb2-(HSA-LF)3 cluster reduced the inactive ferric Hb center to the functional ferrous Hb. This O2-carrying hemoprotein cluster with strongly negative surface net charge, high O2 affinity, and NADH-dependent reductase unit can support a new generation of molecular architecture for red blood cell substitutes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Circular Dichroism
  • Hemoglobins / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oxygen / chemistry*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Serum Albumin / chemistry*

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Serum Albumin
  • Oxygen