Towards the rational design of protein based functional nanostructures, ProNano achieved significant progress in different areas.
As a first step we explored the potential of particular protein modules to set the basis as a versatile scaffolding platform. In this sense we showed that the selected scaffold presented ideal properties as a robust and versatile building block. Using these blocks we achieved their control assembly into protein nanofibers, ordered monolayers, and self-standing and 3D-printed protein materials. In addition, we developed soft nanolithography methodologies to nanopattern these protein materials. Overall, we achieved good control over the structure of the protein building blocks, their supramolecular assembly and the generation of a collection of protein-based materials.
After this achievement we targeted the application of these protein scaffolds as templates for the organization of different functional elements at the nanoscale, in order to expand the functionality of the protein assemblies. As a first step, we established a methodology to integrate non-natural amino acids in the designed protein scaffold, which opened the door to the use of multiple orthogonal chemistries to achieve complex multifunctional assemblies. Secondly, we developed numerous proof of concept examples that resulted in the nanometric organization of gold nanomaterials, photoactive molecules, and metallic nanoclusters, among other functional elements. Thirdly, for device fabrication we developed methodologies to stabilize those protein-based functional elements for different applications, including conductive biomaterials and illumination devices among others. Additionally, we implemented advanced protein-nanomaterial hybrids in biomedical applications and demonstrated that the systems are not only useful for technology but also for biomedicine in both therapy and diagnosis.
