Comparative Methods for the Evaluation of Protein Adsorption

AFM, Immunogold labeling and SPR have been successfully applied to the analysis of protein adsorption on fibroin substrates, chosen as a paradigmatic biomaterial. The process was evaluated both under static and dynamic conditions, also considering the effect of protein competition. AFM via antibody-modified tips provided maps of protein adsorption and information on protein-protein interactions. Double labeling Immunogold imaged protein distribution upon competitive adsorption. SPR described the dynamics of the process, offering also quantitative data both from individual and two-component protein solutions. The integration of these analytical techniques and the critical evaluation of the results can provide a detailed description of protein adsorption.