Dynamic Measurements of Bovine Serum Albumin Aggregation Using Small Angle Neutron Scattering

Abstract

The rapid and complex nature of protein aggregation makes the identification of aggregation mechanisms and their precursors challenging. Here we demonstrate the novel use of small-angle neutron scattering to perform dynamic real-time measurement and analysis of protein aggregation. Changes in bovine serum albumin monomer population and aggregate size are identified at several isothermal temperatures. Kratky plots indicate that the aggregation of BSA occurs through the partial unfolding of the monomer. Dual population modelling of the scattering data indicates that the protein nucleates and grows through a two stage mechanism; a rapid burst phase and a slower growth phase. Both stages are observed to follow Arrhenius behaviour between 70-80 {degrees}C.