Thermophilic ferritin (tF) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, A. fulgidus, was found to encapsulate 5- or 10- nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Incubation of tF with 5- or 10-nm AuNPs in low-salt buffer initiates a self-assembly process that incorporates the AuNP within the ferritin cavity.  Experimental data support that tF maintains wild-type stoichiometry and structure in these bio-nano assemblies. The assembly of the tF-NP conjugates is reversible upon centrifugation and salt-induced precipitation of NPs. Significantly, tF-NP conjugates template the growth of larger NPs that fill the ferritin cavity. These stable bio-nano conjugates with templating abilities could be used in many biomedical applications including targeting or imaging.

Self-assembly of ferritin around gold nanoparticles

244th National Meeting (2012)

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