(741f) High-Resolution Structural Studies of Protein Directed Nanomaterial Synthesis

Protein and peptide directed synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials offers several advantages over traditional synthesis methods, including These include highly controlled and low-cost nanomaterial synthesis under environmentally friendly conditions, and the ability of the biomolecules to add additional functionality to the resulting hybrid nanomaterials. However, despite being used to great effect, the fundamental mechanisms for how biomolecules are able to control and drive nanomaterial synthesis are not well understood, which limits our ability to understand these hybid nanomaterial systems and rationally design them with novel desired properties. To address this, we are using high-resolution structural biology techniques on proteins that are able to synthesize nanomaterials to investigate how biomolecules are able to influence inorganic nanomaterial nucleation and growth. In this presentation we will present our most recent findings on protein directed gold nanoparticle synthesis, as well as other related systems, and how these models are enhancing our understanding of biomolecular directed nanomaterial synthesis.