Nanoreactor Design Based on Self-Assembling Protein Nanocages.
Int J Mol Sci
; 20(3)2019 Jan 30.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30704048
ABSTRACT
Self-assembling proteins that form diverse architectures are widely used in material science and nanobiotechnology. One class belongs to protein nanocages, which are compartments with nanosized internal spaces. Because of the precise nanoscale structures, proteinaceous compartments are ideal materials for use as general platforms to create distinct microenvironments within confined cellular environments. This spatial organization strategy brings several advantages including the protection of catalyst cargo, faster turnover rates, and avoiding side reactions. Inspired by diverse molecular machines in nature, bioengineers have developed a variety of self-assembling supramolecular protein cages for use as biosynthetic nanoreactors that mimic natural systems. In this mini-review, we summarize current progress and ongoing efforts creating self-assembling protein based nanoreactors and their use in biocatalysis and synthetic biology. We also highlight the prospects for future research on these versatile nanomaterials.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Proteins
/
Nanotechnology
/
Nanostructures
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Mol Sci
Year:
2019
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
China