Protein disulphide isomerase-assisted functionalization of proteinaceous substrates

Abstract

Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) is an enzyme that catalyzes thiol-disulphide exchange reactions among a broad spectrum of substrates, including proteins and low-molecular thiols and disulphides. As the first protein-folding catalyst reported, the study of PDI has mainly involved the correct folding of several cysteine-containing proteins. Its application on the functionalization of protein-based materials has not been extensively reported. Herein, we review the applications of PDI on the modification of proteinaceous substrates and discuss its future potential. The mechanism involved in PDI functionalization of fibrous protein substrates is discussed in detail. These approaches allow innovative applications in textile dyeing and finishing, medical textiles, controlled drug delivery systems and hair or skin care products.

Keywords::

• Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI)
• ribonuclease A (RNase A)
• keratin fibres
• biotechnology
• cosmetics

Acknowledgement

We thank to FCT ‘Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia’ (scholarship SFRH/BD/38363/2007) for providing Margarida Fernandes the grant for PhD studies.

Declaration of interest:The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.