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Optimization of Crystal Growth for Neutron Macromolecular Crystallography
Published on: March 13, 2021
Programmed synthesis of mesoporous protein crystals in cellular reactors
Hongru Yang1, Dian-Zhao Lin2, Zhe Li3,4
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Nature Nanotechnology
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a programmable intracellular platform for protein crystallization, enabling precise control over mesoporous material synthesis and the patterned release of biomolecules for applications in catalysis and biomedicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Synthetic Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Protein crystals are versatile mesoporous materials with tunable properties.
- Existing methods for creating ordered protein-based materials are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an intracellular synthesis platform for controllable protein crystallization.
- To enable programmable immobilization and patterned release of guest materials within live cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized steady protein expression for predictable crystal growth in live cells.
- Combined HaloTag and click chemistries for modular material immobilization.
- Achieved spatial patterning of guest materials with ~100 nm resolution.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated controllable and programmable protein crystallization within cells.
- Successfully immobilized diverse guest materials with high spatial precision.
- Showcased sequential release of immobilized materials in physiological fluids.
- Programmed particles to deliver growth factors, inducing oscillatory cell signaling.
Conclusions:
- Established a novel intracellular platform for synthesizing programmable mesoporous materials.
- The platform offers precise control over material properties and release kinetics.
- Potential applications in catalysis, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine.
