Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials: Protein Cage Nano-Architectures

Abstract

Abstract : The vision for the Center for Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials (CBIN) at Montana State University builds upon a strong scientific foundation and a proven multidisciplinary team in the development of protein cage architectures as templates for nanomaterials synthesis and applications in nanotechnology. The exterior interface, the interior interface, and the interface between protein subunits can all be manipulated in the pursuit of refined nanoparticle properties. The synthesis and characterization capabilities of CBIN will be developed as a foundation to provide nanomaterials with novel optical, electronic, magnetic, and acoustic properties. These materials will be investigated as the basis for applications in magnetic sensing, biofilm antifouling, and nanocatalysis. Our previous success in utilizing protein cages as size and shape constrained templates for synthesis of a wide range of nanostructures has led to an understanding that protein cage dynamics plays an important role in the overall properties of the materials. The long-term goal is to use this knowledge to guide the development of a new generation of active and responsive nanomaterials. The directed program objectives of CBIN are: (1) To use protein cages and architectures for the formation of nano-materials with applications in magnetic sensing. (2) To use protein cages and architectures to create nano-catalysts with high specificity and efficiency for hydrogen production and metal ion remediation. (3) To use the library of protein cages and architectures to create nanomaterials for targeting biofilms for imaging and anti-fouling.