(622c) Structural Studies to Determine the Mechanisms of Biobased Nanoparticle Synthesis

Protein and peptide directed synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials offers several advantages over traditional synthesis methods; however, despite being used to great effect, the fundamental mechanisms of how biomolecules control and drive nanomaterial synthesis is not well understood. We are using high-resolution structural biology techniques on a model gold binding and mineralizing peptide system to investigate how biomolecules are able to influence inorganic nanomaterial nucleation and growth. In this presentation we will present our current results, as well as discuss how this model gold mineralizing system is being used to develop an improved colorimetric ionizing radiation sensor for therapeutic use in cancer treatment.