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S‐Layers as a basic building block in a molecular construction kit
Author(s) -
Sleytr Uwe B,
Egelseer Eva M,
Ilk Nicola,
Pum Dietmar,
Schuster Bernhard
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2006.05606.x
Subject(s) - supramolecular chemistry , archaea , nanotechnology , materials science , protein subunit , layer (electronics) , chemistry , crystallography , chemical physics , bacteria , biology , crystal structure , biochemistry , gene , genetics
Crystalline arrays of protein or glycoprotein subunits forming surface layers (S‐layers) are the most common outermost envelope components of prokaryotic organisms (archaea and bacteria). The wealth of information on the structure, chemistry, genetics, morphogenesis, and function of S‐layers has revealed a broad application potential. As S‐layers are periodic structures, they exhibit identical physicochemical properties for each molecular unit down to the subnanometer level and possess pores of identical size and morphology. Many applications of S‐layers in nanobiotechnology depend on the ability of isolated subunits to recrystallize into monomolecular lattices in suspension or on suitable surfaces and interfaces. S‐Layer lattices can be exploited as scaffolding and patterning elements for generating more complex supramolecular assemblies and structures, as required for life and nonlife science applications.