Fabrication of Nanodevices Using Nanoparticles Synthesized in Cage-Shaped Proteins

Abstract

Fabrication of nanostructures by biomolecules, termed the “bio nano process (BNP),” has been proposed, and the process utilizes the biotemplated biomineralization of inorganic materials and self-assembly. NP synthesis by genetically modified cage-shaped proteins, ferritin, and DNA-binding protein from starved cells, Dps, is the most basic part of the BNP. The BNP can produce homogenous NPs inside cage-shaped protein. NP growth is limited by the protein shell and the same size NP can be produced. The surrounding protein shells deliver/array the accommodated NPs at designated positions through the interaction of the protein and inorganic material surface. Even a single NP placement to a nanodisk on a substrate is possible. In such placement and arraying, aptamer and electrostatic interactions play the important roles. Obtained NP arrays are proved to be able to fabricate key components of nanoelectronic devices through the integration of top-down and bottom-up technology. The BNP can also produce three-dimensional bioconjugate of cage-shaped proteins and CNTs. This new material has a quantum effect and high thermal insulation by the protein shell. The measurement of thermoelectric properties confirmed that this bioconjugate is a new type of thermoelectric materials.