Forces controlling protein interactions: theory and experiment

This work reviews both the theory and experimental measurements of the fundamental forces that control protein solution behavior. In addition to the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) forces, we also discuss the relative importance of hydrodynamic, solvation, and lock-and-key interactions in controlling protein solution behavior. The more common computational methods used to calculate both electrostatic and van der Waals potentials are described. Particular attention is given to the differences between proteins and ideal colloidal particles, and the computational methods used to address those differences. In addition to theoretical investigations of protein interactions, the results of recent direct measurements of the forces governing protein interactions are reviewed. These experimental results provide not only measurements against which the theories can be tested, but also demonstrate directly the relative importance of both DLVO and non-classical DLVO forces in the control of protein behavior. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.