Ionic liquids as protein stabilizers for biological and biomedical applications: A review

Author(s)

Verissimo, Nathalia Vieira ; Vicente, Filipa A. ; de Oliveira, Rodrigo Cardoso ; Likozar, Blaz ; Oliveira, Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza ; Pereira, Jorge Fernando Brandao

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES; v. 61, p. 29-pg., 2022-11-11.

Abstract

Biotechnology has revolutionized science and health care by providing new biomolecules with biological and medical applications. However, the low stability of several life-saving bioproducts still hinders their transport, storage, and application. Hence, protein-based bioproducts instability and high costs are the main bottlenecks limiting access to biopharmaceuticals in low-income countries and communities. Aiming to improve the stability of protein-based products, researchers have studied ionic liquids (ILs) as protein stabilizers due to their unique properties and ability to enhance the solubility and stability of a wide range of biomolecules. Although different classes of ILs have the potential to improve protein stability, their effects are dependent on several variables, such as the complex and intrinsic properties of proteins, the nature and concentration of ILs, and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pH). For medical applications, the biocompatibility of ILs can also limit their biological use. Therefore, the current state-of-the-art on ILs applications for non-enzymatic protein stabilization was carefully analyzed and discussed, considering protein properties, ILs classes, and IL solutions concentrations. Lastly, a critical perspective regarding ILs applications as protein stabilizers was presented, highlighting the current lacunas in the field while guiding future studies to answer the existing paradigms. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/25511-1 - Bioprospecting of bacteriocin-producing bacteria: from culture optimization to the application in animal production systems
• Grantee: Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/15493-9 - Development of ionic liquids-based electroconductive hydrogels
• Grantee: Valéria de Carvalho Santos Ebinuma
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/14144-8 - Purification and encapsulation of bacteriocins from probiotic bacteria for applications in animal protein production systems
• Grantee: Nathalia Vieira Porphirio Veríssimo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/10676-5 - Selection of bacteriocinogenic probiotic strains
• Grantee: Rodrigo Cardoso de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/06908-8 - Development of sustainable nanomaterials for the purification of antileukemic drugs
• Grantee: Valéria de Carvalho Santos Ebinuma
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants