Initial Studies of Protein Nanotube Oligomerization from a Modified Gold Surface
The type IV pilus of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a nanofibre composed of multiple copies of a single protein subunit, the type IV pilin. In the presence of a hydrophobic surface or solution, engineered pilin monomers oligomerize into soluble, high molecular weight structures—protein nanotubes (PNTs). P. aeruginosa pilins, pili and pilin-derived PNTs have been shown to bind both biotic surfaces (cells) as well as abiotic surfaces such as stainless steel. Specific binding of PNTs to abiotic surfaces has the potential for the development of novel biometallic interfaces, leading to possible applications such as biomolecular probes and nanoelectronics. In the current report, we discuss our initial findings on growth of PNTs directly from a decanethiol functionalized gold surface. Utilizing atomic force microscopy, PNTs oligomerized from surface constrained alkylthiols were observed to be several micrometers in length with an average diameter of 36±3 nm. In comparison with reported values for the diameter of native type IV pili and PNTs in solution (∼6 nm), the average observed diameter of surface oligomerized PNTs suggests a multiple PNT clustered filament on the gold surface.
Keywords: NANOMATERIALS; PROTEIN NANOTUBES; TYPE IV PILIN
Document Type: Short Communication
Publication date: 01 June 2009
- Bionanoscience attempts to harness various functions of biological macromolecules and integrate them with engineering for technological applications. It is based on a bottom-up approach and encompasses structural biology, biomacromolecular engineering, material science, and engineering, extending the horizon of material science. The journal aims at publication of (i) Letters (ii) Reviews (3) Concepts (4) Rapid communications (5) Research papers (6) Book reviews (7) Conference announcements in the interface between chemistry, physics, biology, material science, and technology. The use of biological macromolecules as sensors, biomaterials, information storage devices, biomolecular arrays, molecular machines is significantly increasing. The traditional disciplines of chemistry, physics, and biology are overlapping and coalescing with nanoscale science and technology. Currently research in this area is scattered in different journals and this journal seeks to bring them under a single umbrella to ensure highest quality peer-reviewed research for rapid dissemination in areas that are in the forefront of science and technology which is witnessing phenomenal and accelerated growth.
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