Computational study on ice growth inhibition of Antarctic bacterium antifreeze protein using coarse grained simulation.

ABSTRACT

Antarctic bacterium antifreeze proteins (AFPs) protect and support the survival of cold-adapted organisms by binding and inhibiting the growth of ice crystals. The mechanism of the anti-freezing process in a water environment at low temperature of Antarctic bacterium AFPs remains unclear. In this research, we study the effects of Antarctic bacterium AFPs by coarse grained simulations solution at a temperature range from 262 to 273 K. The results indicated that Antarctic bacterium AFPs were fully active in temperatures greater than 265 K. Additionally, the specific temperature ranges at which the water molecules become completely frozen, partially frozen, and not frozen were identified.