Hybrid nanostructures based on protein-assembly driven by carbohydrate-protein interactions

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Yan Lu
• Subject Area: Polymer Materials
• Term: from 2019 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 410871749

In this project, we intend to prepare hybrid nanostructures via utilizing protein assemblies as templates and to explore their functions. Until now, protein assembly structures can be achieved via utilizing protein-protein interactions and the symmetry of selected protein modes by mutation of specific peptide residues on protein surfaces. However, these works require tedious procedures including protein expression, engineering and purification, which limit the protein species for building rich and functional protein materials with different morphology and size scale. Meanwhile, due to the difficulties for the preparation of protein assemblies, less work has been done to utilize these protein assemblies as template to build organic-inorganic hybrid materials, which is of both industrial and academic importance. By combining the expertise of Lu’s group from University of Potsdam (German partner) in synthesis of hybrid structures and Chen’s group from Fudan University (Chinese partner) in assembly of protein systems, we aim to develop new hybrid materials based on protein-assembly structures. Both groups have collaborated together for the development of new protein assemblies based on carbohydrate-protein interactions since 2014. Meditated by the small molecule, protein assembled into highly-ordered and uniform structures, including microtubules, 2D nanosheets, crystals etc. However, the mechanism of the above strategy has not been totally understood yet. In addition, the use of protein assemblies as template/carrier for the formation of hybrid materials with controlled shape has not been reported yet. This will make big progress for the synthesis and possible applications of protein-based hybrid nanostructures, giving strong impact in this field. For this purpose, we will first decipher the key factors controlling the formation of protein assemblies via cryo-TEM and SAXS methods. Effects, such as oligosaccharide inducing ligands, protein blocks and new driving forces will be studied in detail. In a second step, by choosing protein microtubes as template, inorganic nanoparticles, such as metal nanoparticles or metal dichalcogenides, will be selectively deposited onto protein assemblies. Finally, we will use the protein assemblies or the hybrid assemblies as building blocks for the formation of functional hydrogels.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: China
• Partner Organisation: National Natural Science Foundation of China
• Cooperation Partner: Professorin Guosong Chen, Ph.D.