Lectin-recognizable colloidal dispersions stabilized by n-dodecyl beta-D-maltoside: particle-particle and particle-surface interactions.

Recently, we reported that it is possible to utilize sugars as stabilizing agents for colloidal particles. This study shows that when n-dodecyl beta-D-maltoside (DDM) is utilized as a dispersing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis and stabilization of poly[methyl methacrylate-co-(n-butyl acrylate)] (p-MMA/nBA) colloidal particles, stable colloidal dispersions can be formed. Since understanding of sugar-protein interactions have numerous practical and scientific implications, these studies examine DDM-stabilized p-MMA/nBA colloidal particles and their specific binding properties with concanavalin A (Con A). By use of spectroscopic analysis, unique binding characteristics that are a function of DDM concentration, time, and the concentration of Con A are detected. When DDM-stabilized p-MMA/nBA particles are allowed to coalesce, DDM is released from the particle surfaces and, under suitable conditions, selectively stratifies in the areas of the excess of interfacial energy near the film-air (F-A) interface, thus providing sites for attracting Con A via alpha-glucose-OH hydrogen bonding. Consequently, adsorption of Con A at the F-A interfaces occur and the degree of adsorption is controlled by the amount of DDM at the F-A interface.