Self-Propelled Soft Protein Microtubes with a Pt Nanoparticle Interior Surface

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Human serum albumin (HSA) microtubes with platinum nanoparticle (PtNP) interiors are developed.
• These microtubes exhibit self-propulsion in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel self-propelled protein microtubes.
• To evaluate their efficiency in capturing cyanine dye and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
• To investigate the influence of environmental factors on their propulsion and explore magnetic manipulation.

Main Methods:

• Wet templating synthesis using track-etched polycarbonate membranes.
• Layer-by-layer assembly of HSA, poly-l-arginine (PLA), and PtNPs.
• Dissolution of the template to yield hollow microtubes.
• Characterization of self-propulsion in H2O2 and evaluation of capture efficiency.

Main Results:

• Uniform hollow microtubes (1.16±0.02 μm outer diameter, ca. 23 μm length) were fabricated.
• Self-propulsion was achieved via oxygen bubble jetting in H2O2 media.
• Efficient capture of cyanine dye and >99% removal of E. coli were demonstrated.
• Magnetic field manipulation was enabled by incorporating a γ-Fe3O4 layer.

Conclusions:

• The developed protein microtubes are effective self-propelled nanomachines.
• They show high efficiency in capturing pollutants and bacteria, indicating potential for environmental applications.
• The ability for magnetic manipulation adds versatility for targeted delivery and removal.