The versatility of biomolecules can be used to rationally design new molecular architectures with specific structures and functionalities unseen in nature. However, it is challenging to organize biomolecules into well-controlled assemblies. Here, we present a facile patterning method that uses spatially-confined nanofluids formed between flat substrate and nanospheres/nanochannels to guide self-assembly of proteins into highly ordered and periodic arrays of nanostructures. During the evaporation process, the solution can be localized inside the spatial confinement on surfaces to form various nanofluids, such as circular water meniscus, water bridge or water nanoline. As the solvent further evaporates, capillary forces enforce protein molecules to concentrate within nanofluids, which induce protein molecules to self-assemble into well-defined nanostructures. The morphology of the protein nanostructures can be tuned by selecting the shapes of nanofluids and drying conditions. Well-defined nanopatterned protein surfaces may be suitable for multiplex biosensing and for nanoscale investigations of protein binding interactions.

Self-assembly of proteins into periodic nanostructures through spatially-confined nanofluids

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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