Protein Dynamics group uses state of art experimental and computational methods to elucidate the relations between protein conformation and function
Latest publication
Avidin-conjugated nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel for 3D cell culturing
Avidin-conjugated nanofibrillar cellulose enables the attachment of biotinylated molecules on nanocellulose fibers. Fibroblasts were found to proliferate quicker in the hydrogel functionalized with biotinylated proteins originating from extracellular matrix compared to bare nanocellulose, and the cell viability remained high during the experiment. The cells also showed signs of efficient integrin signaling indicating that they have the capacity to attach tightly to functionalized nanocellulose. Avidin-conjugated nanocellulose offers promising possibilities for applications requiring tailored hydrogels, such as cell differentiation and tissue engineering.
Schematic presentation showing how avidin-conjugated nanocellulose fibers enable functionalization with biotinylated molecules, providing good environment for adherent cells. Reprinted with permission from Leppiniemi et al. Biomacromolecules https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00579, Copyright 2021 American Chemical Society.
Avidin-Conjugated Nanofibrillar Cellulose Hydrogel Functionalized with Biotinylated Fibronectin and Vitronectin Promotes 3D Culture of Fibroblasts
Jenni Leppiniemi, Zeeshan Mutahir, Alexander Dulebo, Piia Mikkonen, Markus Nuopponen, Paula Turkki, and Vesa P. Hytönen
Biomacromolecules 2021, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00579
News in English: https://www.tuni.fi/en/news/nanocellulose-decorated-proteins-suitable-3d-cell-culturing
News in Finnish: https://www.tuni.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/proteiineilla-paallystetty-nanoselluloosa-sopii-solujen-3d-viljelyyn