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Directed surface attachment of nanomaterials via coiled-coil-driven self-assembly
Simon J White1, Steven Johnson2,3, Michal Szymonik2
1Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
Nanotechnology
|November 17, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a self-assembly method using peptide coiled-coils to immobilize M13 bacteriophage particles onto gold surfaces, enabling precise nanoscale device integration into circuits.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Surface chemistry
Background:
- Fabricating nanoscale devices with biological scaffolds is common.
- Interfacing these devices into circuits and ordered arrays remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel self-assembly method for immobilizing M13 bacteriophage particles onto patterned gold surfaces.
- To enable precise integration of nanoscale biological components into electronic circuits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the peptide coiled-coil heterodimer ACID:BASE for self-assembly.
- Displayed the ACID peptide on M13 bacteriophage pIX coat protein.
- Functionalized gold surfaces with BASE and employed surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that free ACID peptides assemble onto BASE-derivatized surfaces via SPR.
- Confirmed specific surface attachment of M13 bacteriophage displaying ACID via coiled-coil formation.
- Showcased localization of M13:ACID onto a functionalized gold electrode with a 200 nm gap.
Conclusions:
- The ACID:BASE coiled-coil system effectively immobilizes M13 bacteriophage onto patterned gold surfaces.
- This method provides a robust strategy for integrating biological components into nanoscale electronic devices.
- The phage-displayed peptide system offers a versatile platform for ordered nanoscale assembly.

