An outlook on biothermodynamics. II. Adsorption of proteins (Q1031049)

This is a detailed review of the adsorption thermodynamics of proteins. Proteins can absorb on or stick to nearly every solid or liquid surface. This phenomenon is due to the heterogeneous structure of the surface of a protein, which includes hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic atomic groups. The fundamentals of the equilibrium thermodynamics is explored in the context of adsorption phenomena of proteins. While describing the basic thermodynamic concepts of the adsorption phenomena from liquid solutions, the series expansion of the adsorption isotherm of the ideal protein absorbate is derived. Also the process of the Langmuir adsorption isotherms and its kinetics are elaborated. The thermodynamic formalisms are extended to the multi-component protein adsorption. Since proteins normally have many surface active atomic groups on their surface, the thermodynamic formalisms of the multi-protein systems showing competitive adsorption are discussed. The author has made a successful attempt in exploring the new area of the thermodynamics, i.e., the bio-thermodynamics. For part I, cf. ibid. 33, No. 4, 321--385 (2008; Zbl 1157.80302).