Isolation, characterization, and stability of discretely-sized nanolipoprotein particles assembled with apolipophorin-III

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 5; no. 7; p. e11643
• Main Authors: Fischer, Nicholas O, Blanchette, Craig D, Segelke, Brent W, Corzett, Michele, Chromy, Brett A, Kuhn, Edward A, Bench, Graham, Hoeprich, Paul D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 19-07-2010; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Animals; Apolipoproteins; Apolipoproteins - chemistry; Atomic force microscopy; BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; Biochemistry; Biophysics/Experimental Biophysical Methods; Biotechnology; Biotechnology/Bioengineering; Blood lipids; Bombyx - chemistry; Chromatography; Crosslinking; Diagnostic systems; Drug delivery; Drug delivery systems; Gel electrophoresis; Humans; Insect Proteins - chemistry; Insects; Life sciences; Lipids; Lipoproteins; Lipoproteins - chemistry; Low density lipoprotein; Manduca - chemistry; Membrane proteins; Membranes; Microscopy; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Morphology; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Particulates; Phospholipids; Protein expression; Proteins; Remodeling; Science & Technology - Other Topics; Size exclusion chromatography; Solubilization; United States > US; California
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011643

Nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs) are discoidal, nanometer-sized particles comprised of self-assembled phospholipid membranes and apolipoproteins. NLPs assembled with human apolipoproteins have been used for myriad biotechnology applications, including membrane protein solubilization, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging. To expand the repertoire of lipoproteins for these applications, insect apolipophorin-III (apoLp-III) was evaluated for the ability to form discretely-sized, homogeneous, and stable NLPs.
Four NLP populations distinct with regards to particle diameters (ranging in size from 10 nm to >25 nm) and lipid-to-apoLp-III ratios were readily isolated to high purity by size exclusion chromatography. Remodeling of the purified NLP species over time at 4 degrees C was monitored by native gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography, and atomic force microscopy. Purified 20 nm NLPs displayed no remodeling and remained stable for over 1 year. Purified NLPs with 10 nm and 15 nm diameters ultimately remodeled into 20 nm NLPs over a period of months. Intra-particle chemical cross-linking of apoLp-III stabilized NLPs of all sizes.
ApoLp-III-based NLPs can be readily prepared, purified, characterized, and stabilized, suggesting their utility for biotechnological applications.