Design of a gold clustering site in an engineered apo-ferritin cage.

ABSTRACT: Water-soluble and biocompatible protein-protected gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) hold great promise for numerous applications. However, design and precise regulation of their structure at an atomic level remain challenging. Herein, we have engineered and constructed a gold clustering site at the 4-fold symmetric axis channel of the apo-ferritin cage. Using a series of X-ray crystal structures, we evaluated the stepwise accumulation process of Au ions into the cage and the formation of a multinuclear Au cluster in our designed cavity. We also disclosed the role of key residues in the metal accumulation process. X-ray crystal structures in combination with quantum chemical (QC) calculation revealed a unique Au clustering site with up to 12 Au atoms positions in the cavity. Moreover, the structur

SUBMITTER: Lu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9814837 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature