Nanomechanics of streptavidin hubs for molecular materials.

ABSTRACT: A new strategy is reported for creating protein-based nanomaterials by genetically fusing large polypeptides to monomeric streptavidin and exploiting the propensity of streptavidin monomers(SM) to self-assemble into stable tetramers. We have characterized the mechanical properties of streptavidin-linked structures and measured, for the first time, the mechanical strength of streptavidin tetramers themselves. Using streptavidin tetramers as molecular hubs offers a unique opportunity to create a variety of well-defined, self-assembled protein-based (nano)materials with unusual mechanical properties.

SUBMITTER: Kim M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3837471 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature