A Simple Approach to Design Proteins for the Sustainable Synthesis of Metal Nanoclusters

Abstract

Metal nanoclusters (NCs) are considered ideal nanomaterials for biological applications owing to their strong photoluminescence (PL), excellent photostability, and good biocompatibility. This study presents a simple and versatile strategy to design proteins, via incorporation of a di‐histidine cluster coordination site, for the sustainable synthesis and stabilization of metal NCs with different metal composition. The resulting protein‐stabilized metal NCs (Prot‐NCs) of gold, silver, and copper are highly photoluminescent and photostable, have a long shelf life, and are stable under physiological conditions. The biocompatibility of the clusters was demonstrated in cell cultures in which Prot‐NCs showed efficient cell internalization without affecting cell viability or losing luminescence. Moreover, the approach is translatable to other proteins to obtain Prot‐NCs for various biomedical applications such as cell imaging or labeling.

Peptide and protein modified metal clusters for cancer diagnostics

“… 22 Similarly, in this synthesis approach, proteins serve as the synthesis templates, as well as reducing agents for metal ions. Using similar synthetic procedures, different commercially available proteins have been used to synthesize protein modified metal clusters, such as lysozyme, 23 , 24 lactoferrin, 25 trypsin, 26 pepsin, 27 insulin 28 and peroxidase. 29 …”

Protein-directed crystalline 2D fullerene assemblies

“…11 Thus, CTPR proteins have been successfully used to build photoconductive and electroactive systems, combining covalent modification and non-covalent interactions, as well as stabilise fluorescent and electroactive clusters. [12][13][14][15] In the current work, the CTPR proteins were engineered into scaffolds for C 60 fullerene assembly. Carbon nanoforms combined with biomimetic nanomaterials have driven the advancement in nanoscience, biochemistry and materials chemistry in the recent years.…”

Protein-Directed Crystalline 2D Fullerene Assemblies

“…11 Thus, CTPR proteins have been successfully used to build photoconductive and electroactive systems, combining covalent modification and non-covalent interactions, as well as stabilise fluorescent and electroactive clusters. [12][13][14][15] In the current work, the CTPR proteins were engineered into scaffolds for C 60 fullerene assembly. Carbon nanoforms combined with biomimetic nanomaterials have driven the advancement in nanoscience, biochemistry and materials chemistry in the recent years.…”