An Ellipsometrical and AFM Study οf Ferritin Adsorption Kinetics on a Gold Surface

The kinetics of ferritin adsorption on gold (Au) surface was studied with ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. The thickness and the refraction index of the adsorbed layer were determined using a theoretical model system: air-interface layer-solution-adsorbed layer-gold surface. The relations between the parameters of the adsorbed layer and pH and the protein concentration are obtained. It seems that the ferritin adsorption is a relatively slow multi-stage process. The obtained results enable modelling of the protein adsorption on blood vessels and tissues in pathological processes. The kinetics of protein adsorption could be implemented in medical applications and in development of new biosensor systems.