Use of Bacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoates in Protein Display Technologies

Abstract

Protein display and immobilization are powerful tools used in industrial biocatalysts, bioremediation, biomolecule screening and purification, as well as biosensor applications. Immobilization can aid in the stability and function of a protein and can allow its recovery and potential reuse. Traditional protein immobilization techniques involving entrapment or non-covalent interactions between the protein and support materials are susceptible to leaching and often require additional cross-linking steps; which may be costly, potentially toxic and may negatively affect the function of the protein. All of these approaches require multiple steps to produce, isolate, and immobilize the protein of interest. Here we present protocols for the in vivo production of a protein of interest covalently immobilized on the surface of a bio-polyester resin in a single step. The steps involved in vector construction, protein/bead production, and isolation are explained and outlined.