ScienceSeptember 2, 2026

arginine

AR-juh-neen

Definition

A basic, positively charged amino acid characterized by a guanidinium group, known in this study for its ability to penetrate and disrupt protective water layers on biomaterial surfaces.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'argentum' (silver) because it was first isolated from silver-containing plant extracts; the '-ine' suffix is standard for chemical compounds.

In the news

The researchers discovered that proteins with a high proportion of arginine are uniquely capable of adhering to anti-fouling surfaces, complicating the design of biocompatible medical devices.

Proteins Accumulate on Resistant Surfaces: Why?

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Mirage News

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