Hydrophobins: Proteins that self assemble at interfaces

Markus B. Linder*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview Articlepeer-review

327 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hydrophobins are surface active proteins that are produced by filamentous fungi. They are interesting from a Surf Sci point of view because some of their properties as surface active proteins are quite spectacular. In this review, recent advances in understanding these properties will be surveyed. We will attempt to define what the properties are that make them unique. As an understanding of both structure and function of hydrophobins is emerging we see that this is paving the way for industrial applications as well as an understanding of their biological functions. Major recent advances: Recently there has been a clear increase in attempts to use hydrophobins in applications. We are starting to understand their unique properties as surfactants and especially applications related to the stability and development of foams and various surface treatments are emerging. There are several new reports on molecular structures as well on mechanisms of self-assembly. Hydrophobins have functions in biology that are far from understood, but also here techniques are developing and a broader understanding is emerging.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)356-363
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2009
MoE publication typeA2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review

Keywords

  • Hydrophobin
  • Self assembly
  • Surface active protein

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