Two-tier supramolecular encapsulation of small molecules in a protein cage.

ABSTRACT: Expanding protein design to include other molecular building blocks has the potential to increase structural complexity and practical utility. Nature often employs hybrid systems, such as clathrin-coated vesicles, lipid droplets, and lipoproteins, which combine biopolymers and lipids to transport a broader range of cargo molecules. To recapitulate the structure and function of such composite compartments, we devised a supramolecular strategy that enables porous protein cages to encapsulate poorly water-soluble small molecule cargo through templated formation of a hydrophobic surfactant-based core. These lipoprotein-like complexes protect their cargo from sequestration by serum proteins and enhance the cellular uptake of fluorescent probes and cytotoxic drugs. This design concept could be a

SUBMITTER: Edwardson TGW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7588467 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature