Research sticks at Reading

Insights from Reading University about the way proteins stick, slide and cluster on solid surfaces could lead to new materials for use in medical and dental implants.

A layer of protein molecules will attach and grow on foreign materials like medical implants when they are put into a living organism.

By using experiments and theories which have been developed to understand this growth, the researchers have identified the key steps which are important for proteins to form this layer.

The research shows that proteins first stick to a surface then they slide around until they meet each other and join together to form clusters. These clusters are also able to slide around, although not as quickly, and can then stick together to create even bigger clusters. This movement results in a surface which is covered in isolated islands of protein molecules separated by large areas of bare surface.