Connectability of protein cages

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Naturally occurring protein cages are hollow, protein-based nanoparticles with defined structures and functions.
• These natural structures serve as inspiration for creating novel nanoarchitectures.
• A critical feature for engineered protein cages is their 'connectability'.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in controlling the connectability of protein cages.
• To explore how modulating connectability leads to new protein cage morphologies and assembly properties.
• To discuss the development of protein cage-based nanomaterials through controlled inter-cage connections.

Main Methods:

• Engineering interfaces between protein cage building blocks to control intra-cage connectability.
• Modifying protein cage surfaces to influence inter-cage connectability.
• Reviewing current research and progress in these engineering strategies.

Main Results:

• Modulating intra-cage connectability yields protein cages with altered morphologies and assembly/disassembly characteristics.
• Controlling inter-cage connectability enables the formation of ordered, lattice-like nanomaterials from protein cages.
• Significant progress has been made in harnessing connectability for protein cage nanotechnology.

Conclusions:

• Control over both intra- and inter-cage connectability is crucial for advancing protein cage-based nanotechnology.
• Engineered protein cages offer versatile platforms for creating sophisticated nanomaterials.
• Future developments will likely focus on further refining connectability for diverse applications.