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Highly ordered protein cage assemblies: A toolkit for new materials
Author(s) -
Korpi Antti,
AnayaPlaza Eduardo,
Välimäki Salla,
Kostiainen Mauri
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
wiley interdisciplinary reviews: nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1939-0041
pISSN - 1939-5116
DOI - 10.1002/wnan.1578
Subject(s) - nanotechnology , nanomaterials , self assembly , macromolecule , materials science , nanostructure , covalent bond , capsid , drug delivery , chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , gene
Protein capsids are specialized and versatile natural macromolecules with exceptional properties. Their homogenous, spherical, rod‐like or toroidal geometry, and spatially directed functionalities make them intriguing building blocks for self‐assembled nanostructures. High degrees of functionality and modifiability allow for their assembly via non‐covalent interactions, such as electrostatic and coordination bonding, enabling controlled self‐assembly into higher‐order structures. These assembly processes are sensitive to the molecules used and the surrounding conditions, making it possible to tune the chemical and physical properties of the resultant material and generate multifunctional and environmentally sensitive systems. These materials have numerous potential applications, including catalysis and drug delivery. This article is categorized under: Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures