Background: Chemistry and particularly enzymology at surfaces is a topic of rapidly growing interest, both in terms of its role in biological systems and its application in biocatalysis. Existing protein immobilization approaches, including noncovalent or covalent attachments to solid supports, have difficulties in controlling protein orientation, reducing nonspecific absorption and preventing protein denaturation. New strategies for enzyme immobilization are needed that allow the precise control over orientation and position and thereby provide optimized activity.
Methodology/Principal Findings: A method is presented for utilizing peptide ligands to immobilize enzymes on surfaces with improved enzyme activity and stability. The appropriate peptide ligands have been rapidly selected from high-density arrays and when desirable, the peptide sequences were further optimized by single-point variant screening to enhance both the affinity and activity of the bound enzyme. For proof of concept, the peptides that bound to β-galactosidase and optimized its activity were covalently attached to surfaces for the purpose of capturing target enzymes. Compared to conventional methods, enzymes immobilized on peptide-modified surfaces exhibited higher specific activity and stability, as well as controlled protein orientation.
Conclusions/Significance: A simple method for immobilizing enzymes through specific interactions with peptides anchored on surfaces has been developed. This approach will be applicable to the immobilization of a wide variety of enzymes on surfaces with optimized orientation, location and performance, and provides a potential mechanism for the patterned self-assembly of multiple enzymes on surfaces.
This paper uses various studies and my own personal study from my summer internship with Ford Motor Company to determine the biggest consumer fears, challenging them and how automotive companies can combat them. In my opinion, the biggest consumer fears for electric vehicles are range anxiety, lack of a charging network, high initial purchase prices, battery replacement costs and lack of appealing options. Consumers who are not interested in EVs, are interested or just looking have fears that can come from opinions or others opinions. These fears can easily change through factual points.
I have included numerous studies that combat these fears and show the truth of each category. In each category I have used studies that point out reasons why these fears are nothing to worry about. Consumers need to learn these fears can be easily changed and that is what this section aims to do.
Automotive companies will have to play a large part in this educational piece. My paper outlines what they need to do in order to succeed in the future. A major part will be dealer engagement. Dealerships represent the face of the company and if they are unwilling or cannot sell EVs, then electric vehicles will not succeed.
Finally, I provide my personal thoughts on the future of the electric vehicle market and what is holding high adoption rates of EVs back.