Abstract
The fabrication of nanoscale devices requires architectural templates on which to position functional molecules in complex arrangements. Protein scaffolds are particularly promising templates for nanomaterials due to inherent molecular recognition and self-assembly capabilities combined with genetically encoded functionalities. However, difficulties in engineering protein quaternary structure into stable and well-ordered shapes have hampered progress. Here we report the development of an ultrastable biomolecular construction kit for the assembly of filamentous proteins into geometrically defined templates of controllable size and symmetry. The strategy combines redesign of protein–protein interaction specificity with the creation of tunable connector proteins that govern the assembly and projection angles of the filaments. The functionality of these nanoarchitectures is illustrated by incorporation of nanoparticles at specific locations and orientations to create hybrid materials such as conductive nanowires. These new structural components facilitate the manufacturing of nanomaterials with diverse shapes and functional properties over a wide range of processing conditions.
Highlights
The fabrication of nanoscale devices requires architectural templates on which to position functional molecules in complex arrangements
Proteins and DNA have all been used as scaffolds to precisely position molecular components on the nanoscale, engineered protein templates have not yet reached a level of sophistication approaching that of their most advanced DNA counterparts, for example, the exquisite patterns known as DNA origami[1,2]
Two-way connector proteins were created by genetic fusion of two complementary TERM monomers using a helical linker between the individual coiled-coil domains (Fig. 2a)
Summary
The fabrication of nanoscale devices requires architectural templates on which to position functional molecules in complex arrangements. The strategy combines redesign of protein–protein interaction specificity with the creation of tunable connector proteins that govern the assembly and projection angles of the filaments The functionality of these nanoarchitectures is illustrated by incorporation of nanoparticles at specific locations and orientations to create hybrid materials such as conductive nanowires. Advances in nanotechnology call for new applications that push the limits of existing fabrication methodology These applications envision the precise placement of functional features on the nanoscale that can be patterned over large surface areas. The functionality of the templates was demonstrated by the precise positioning of gold nanoparticles in regular patterns to fabricate highly conductive nanowires with specific lengths and architectures
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