Protein-assisted self-assembly of multifunctional nanoparticles

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Mar 30;107(13):5827-32. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1001142107. Epub 2010 Mar 15.

Abstract

A bioengineering method for self-assembly of multifunctional superstructures with in-advance programmable properties has been proposed. The method employs two unique proteins, barnase and barstar, to rapidly join the structural components together directly in water solutions. The properties of the superstructures can be designed on demand by linking different agents of various sizes and chemical nature, designated for specific goals. As a proof of concept, colloidally stable trifunctional structures have been assembled by binding together magnetic particles, quantum dots, and antibodies using barnase and barstar. The assembly has demonstrated that the bonds between these proteins are strong enough to hold macroscopic (5 nm-3 microm) particles together. Specific interaction of such superstructures with cancer cells resulted in fluorescent labeling of the cells and their responsiveness to magnetic field. The method can be used to join inorganic moieties, organic particles, and single biomolecules for synergistic use in different applications such as biosensors, photonics, and nanomedicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Neoplasm / administration & dosage
  • Bacterial Proteins* / genetics
  • Base Sequence
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Primers
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Female
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Quantum Dots
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Ribonucleases* / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neoplasm
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA Primers
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • barstar protein, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
  • Ribonucleases
  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ribonuclease
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide