Journal Article

FZJ-2025-05295

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Electric response of multiarm protein crystals

Kang, K. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Platten, F.FZJ* ; Ray, D.FZJ*

2026
APS Woodbury, NY

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1103/ql7f-wzpr  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2025-05295

Abstract: Electric fields can modify protein-protein interactions and thereby influence phase behavior. In lysozyme–sodium thiocyanate solutions, we recently observed shifts in both the crystallization boundary and theliquid-liquid phase separation line under a weak applied field, along with a range of distinct crystal morphologies.Here, we explore how forming protein crystals respond to variations in field frequency and amplitude, focusingon the morphologies of complex, multiarm structures. At constant protein and salt concentrations, the appliedfield governs both the number and the angular distribution of crystal arms. These features are analyzed throughFourier analysis of microscopy images, revealing cooperative angular ordering among the arms. Based on theseobservations, we classify three principal multiarm protein crystal (pX) morphologies: flowerlike pX (dominantat high field strengths), triconic pX (appearing nonmonotonically at lower fields), and conic pX (widely observedunder low-field conditions). Near the crystallization boundary, field-driven metastable structures such as tubules,clusters, nematic domains, and fibers also occur in response to the field. These findings demonstrate that electricfields effectively steer protein crystallization pathways and provide insight into the mechanisms of variousmultiarm crystallization.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Biomakromolekulare Systeme und Prozesse (IBI-4)

Research Program(s):

1. 5241 - Molecular Information Processing in Cellular Systems (POF4-524) (POF4-524)
2. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)495795796 - Das Phasenverhalten von Proteinlösungen in elektrischen Feldern (495795796) (495795796)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Electronics and Telecommunications Collection ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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