Assessing the protein conformation and surface activity in protein-based nanohybrids at the air/water interface

We aim to study the structure of interfacial layers formed thanks to the interaction between negatively charged silica nanoparticles (NPs) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). In particular, we will investigate how the dispersion composition (NP/BSA ratio and ionic strength) will affect the layer structure and density by means of neutron reflectometry (NR). Then, the monolayers will undergo a compression/expansion cycle in a Langmuir trough and, during both compression and expansion, NR will be performed. This will allow determining structural modifications of the layer upon mechanical deformation and associated eventual desorption/re-adsorption phenomena. This study will provide new fundamental insight to characterize and control the protein conformation at liquid interfaces. Moreover, it will allow assessing the use of mixed NP/BSA dispersions as novel green adaptive surfactants for stabilizing complex fluid interfaces.