Sroga G.E., Dordick J.S.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, US
Keywords: biomolecular, DNA, nanoparticles, protein
Directed, biologically-driven self-assembly has the potential to yield hybrid multicomponent architectures with applications ranging from nanoelectronic devices to smart drug delivery systems and responsive materials. To enable these applications, it is critical to gain control over the precise orientation and geometry of biomolecules interacting with one-another and with surfaces. Such control has thus far been very difficult to achieve in even the simplest biomolecular designs. I will present a novel methodology for the design and synthesis of functional, oriented, and reversibly switchable hierarchical assemblies at the nanoscale, which were developed using DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. The biomolecular assembly relies on the highly selective recognition between transcription factors (TFs) and their cognate DNA motifs that serve as transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) along with the calmodulin-calmodulin binding peptide interaction that is regulated by the Ca2+ ions. Through these two types of controllable interactions, it was possible to achieve the sequential and hierarchical self-assembly of multiprotein complexes complete with embedded fluorescence and catalytic capabilities, which may serve as a paradigm for multifunctional assemblies.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2008: Materials, Fabrication, Particles, and Characterization – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 548 - 551
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Manufacturing, Nanoelectronics
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8503-7