New System for Protein Based Nanotechnology

摘要

A method for constructing nanoscale complexes from peptides is reported, which uses branched coiled coils to create figures with specified geometry and structure. These structures can be used as vertices for programmed assembly of novel arrays, lattices and materials; the arms in our constructs are formed from alpha helical coiled coils with two or more strands. Demonstration of the design principle has been achieved. Connection of vertices to generate higher order structures is being explored, using a system for linking units that retains specific interactions between the arms.