Asymptotic Strength Limit of Hydrogen-Bond Assemblies in Proteins at Vanishing Pulling Rates

Sinan Keten and Markus J. Buehler
Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 198301 – Published 12 May 2008

Abstract

We develop a fracture-mechanics-based theoretical framework that considers the free energy competition between entropic elasticity of polypeptide chains and rupture of peptide hydrogen bonds, which we use here to provide an explanation for the intrinsic strength limit of protein domains at vanishing rates. Our analysis predicts that individual protein domains stabilized only by hydrogen bonds cannot exhibit rupture forces larger than 200pN in the asymptotic limit. This result explains earlier experimental and computational observations that indicate an asymptotical strength limit at vanishing pulling rates.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 22 October 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.198301

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Sinan Keten and Markus J. Buehler*

  • Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 1-272, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA

  • *Corresponding author. mbuehler@MIT.EDU

Comments & Replies

Comment on “Asymptotic Strength Limit of Hydrogen-Bond Assemblies in Proteins at Vanishing Pulling Rates”

Dmitrii E. Makarov
Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 129801 (2009)

Keten and Buehler Reply:

Sinan Keten and Markus J. Buehler
Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 129802 (2009)

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 100, Iss. 19 — 16 May 2008

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×