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Protein-directed self-assembly of a fullerene crystal

Author

Listed:
  • Kook-Han Kim

    (SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University)

  • Dong-Kyun Ko

    (New Jersey Institute of Technology)

  • Yong-Tae Kim

    (SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University)

  • Nam Hyeong Kim

    (SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University)

  • Jaydeep Paul

    (School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research)

  • Shao-Qing Zhang

    (University of California
    University of Pennsylvania)

  • Christopher B. Murray

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Rudresh Acharya

    (School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research)

  • William F. DeGrado

    (University of California)

  • Yong Ho Kim

    (SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University
    Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS))

  • Gevorg Grigoryan

    (Dartmouth College)

Abstract

Learning to engineer self-assembly would enable the precise organization of molecules by design to create matter with tailored properties. Here we demonstrate that proteins can direct the self-assembly of buckminsterfullerene (C60) into ordered superstructures. A previously engineered tetrameric helical bundle binds C60 in solution, rendering it water soluble. Two tetramers associate with one C60, promoting further organization revealed in a 1.67-Å crystal structure. Fullerene groups occupy periodic lattice sites, sandwiched between two Tyr residues from adjacent tetramers. Strikingly, the assembly exhibits high charge conductance, whereas both the protein-alone crystal and amorphous C60 are electrically insulating. The affinity of C60 for its crystal-binding site is estimated to be in the nanomolar range, with lattices of known protein crystals geometrically compatible with incorporating the motif. Taken together, these findings suggest a new means of organizing fullerene molecules into a rich variety of lattices to generate new properties by design.

Suggested Citation

  • Kook-Han Kim & Dong-Kyun Ko & Yong-Tae Kim & Nam Hyeong Kim & Jaydeep Paul & Shao-Qing Zhang & Christopher B. Murray & Rudresh Acharya & William F. DeGrado & Yong Ho Kim & Gevorg Grigoryan, 2016. "Protein-directed self-assembly of a fullerene crystal," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms11429
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11429
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