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Nanobiotechnology with S-layer proteins as building blocks
Uwe B Sleytr1, Bernhard Schuster, Eva M Egelseer
1Department of NanoBiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
|October 18, 2011
Summary
Bacterial surface layers (S-layers) are self-assembling protein arrays with precise molecular organization. Their recrystallization ability makes them versatile building blocks for advanced nanobiotechnology and molecular nanotechnology applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanobiotechnology
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Self-assembly systems are crucial for reproducible molecular aggregation in nanobiotechnology.
- Crystalline bacterial surface layers (S-layers) are monomolecular arrays of protein or glycoprotein subunits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the principles of S-layers and their utility as patterning elements.
- To highlight the potential of S-layers in nanobiotechnology and molecular nanotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Review of S-layer properties and self-assembly principles.
- Discussion of S-layer recrystallization on various surfaces and interfaces.
- Exploration of S-layers as scaffolds for complex supramolecular structures.
Main Results:
- S-layers exhibit well-defined physicochemical properties and functional group orientations.
- Isolated S-layer subunits can recrystallize into ordered arrays on diverse substrates.
- S-layers serve as structural platforms for integrating various biomolecules.
Conclusions:
- S-layers are highly adaptable building blocks for creating novel supramolecular materials and nanoscale devices.
- Their intrinsic features support applications in molecular nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, biomimetics, and synthetic biology.
