Unknown

Dataset Information

0

Protein-directed self-assembly of a fullerene crystal.


ABSTRACT: Learning to engineer self-assembly would enable the precise organization of molecules by design to create matter with tailored properties. Here we demonstrate that proteins can direct the self-assembly of buckminsterfullerene (C60) into ordered superstructures. A previously engineered tetrameric helical bundle binds C60 in solution, rendering it water soluble. Two tetramers associate with one C60, promoting further organization revealed in a 1.67-Å crystal structure. Fullerene groups occupy periodic lattice sites, sandwiched between two Tyr residues from adjacent tetramers. Strikingly, the assembly exhibits high charge conductance, whereas both the protein-alone crystal and amorphous C60 are electrically insulating. The affinity of C60 for its crystal-binding site is estimated to be in the nanomolar range, with lattices of known protein crystals geometrically compatible with incorporating the motif. Taken together, these findings suggest a new means of organizing fullerene molecules into a rich variety of lattices to generate new properties by design.

SUBMITTER: Kim KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4853425 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

altmetric image

Publications


Learning to engineer self-assembly would enable the precise organization of molecules by design to create matter with tailored properties. Here we demonstrate that proteins can direct the self-assembly of buckminsterfullerene (C60) into ordered superstructures. A previously engineered tetrameric helical bundle binds C60 in solution, rendering it water soluble. Two tetramers associate with one C60, promoting further organization revealed in a 1.67-Å crystal structure. Fullerene groups occupy peri  ...[more]

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC8397305 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6648767 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC10972673 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC3768014 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6331632 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC4580238 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6218460 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6088348 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC3667488 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8152806 | biostudies-literature